[Laparoscopic appendectomy: techniques and results in Switzerland].

We have tried to assess the actual attitude towards laparoscopic appendectomy in Switzerland. An inquiry on preoperative investigations, operative approach and results in cases of suspected appendicitis in 26 surgical Institutions affiliated to the Swiss Association for Laparoscopic and Thoracoscopic Surgery (SALTS) was performed. In a 20 month period a total of 3665 laparoscopic procedures were performed. Appendectomy was attempted in 457 cases in 19 institutions. Conversion to open appendectomy was necessary in 51 cases (11%). Average operative time was 62 minutes. There were 27 postoperative complications (7%). 8 patients (1.9%) needed reoperation. Mean hospital stay was 3.9 days. Opinions of the participating institutions on the actual role of laparoscopic appendectomy (feasibility, advantages or disadvantages) are shown.