[Randomized trial on the value of diagnostic laparoscopy before appendectomy]

Abstract

Two groups of 30 women with clinical signs of appendicitis were randomized to immediate appendicectomy or diagnostic laparoscopy. In the latter group, appendicectomy was performed if a diagnosis of acute appendicitis was established or if the appendix could not be visualized. Eleven patients who underwent immediate operation had unnecessary appendicectomy, compared with two who underwent laparoscopy. This difference of 30% (95% confidence interval 11-49%) was significant (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity rate in the two groups. Diagnostic laparoscopy is a useful preliminary investigation in women with clinical signs of acute appendicitis.