For patients requiring an appendectomy, MIP is an excellent alternative to traditional open surgery. With a laparoscopic appendectomy, patients can get back to their normal activities up to a week sooner than with open surgery. Patients also enjoy better cosmetic results.

Compared to the open procedure, MIP for appendectomy offers:

• Shorter hospital stay
• Shorter recovery time
• Less pain and scarring
• Lower incidence of wound infections

Removal of the appendix is essentially the same for both the open and the laparoscopic approach. While conventional appendectomy involves a muscle-splitting celiotomy of two to three inches in the lower right quadrant, the laparoscopic approach incorporates several small incisions. These accommodate the laparoscope used for visualization on a television monitor and the laparoscopic surgical instruments used to remove the appendix.

While both appendectomy approaches may be considered safe and effective, laparoscopic appendectomy may be particularly useful for women of childbearing age and for patients who are obese.

As with all operative procedures, be sure to discuss surgical risks with your patients.

(Flash animation: MIP appendectomy versus an open procedure)