Laparoscopy—A diagnostic aid in cases of suspected appendicitis: Its use in women of reproductive age

In women of reproductive age the usefulness of laparoscopy in diagnosing acute appendicitis was evaluated. Eighty-six women underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. There was complete visualization of the appendix in 93% of the patients. Twenty-two patients were spared laparotomy. In the nonpregnant patients, salpingitis was the disease most often confused with appendicitis. Eighty-five percent of the patients with salpingitis had the onset of symptoms within 14 days of the last menstrual period, whereas acute appendicitis was found in 86% of the patients with the onset of symptoms >14 days after the last menstrual period. The onset of symptoms relative to the first day of the last menstrual period differed in these two groups of patients (p < 0.01). Patients who were spared unnecessary laparotomy had significantly diminished hospital stays (p < 0.001). Laparoscopy was found to be a safe and effective way to diagnose acute appendicitis in women of reproductive age, and its liberal use is recommended.