Tag Archives: appendectomy

PUBLISHED: Laparoscopic Appendectomy with Lysis of Adhesions for Appendicitis

Laparoscopic Appendectomy with Lysis of Adhesions for Appendicitis
Helen S. Wei, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a minimally-invasive technique distinguished by the utilization of small incisions through which an endoscopic camera and specialized instruments are introduced to facilitate the excision of an inflamed vermiform appendix. This LA video serves as an educational tool, offering unique insights into complex surgical scenarios. It demonstrates real-time decision-making in the face of adhesions from previous surgery, showcasing how to adapt standard techniques to challenging anatomy. The video provides a clear visualization of advanced laparoscopic skills, including safe adhesiolysis, cautious dissection, and proper use of surgical devices. It emphasizes critical aspects of surgical safety, team communication, and complication management.

PUBLISHED: Laparoscopic Cecal Wedge Resection Appendectomy

Laparoscopic Cecal Wedge Resection Appendectomy
Ciro Andolfi, MD1Marco Fisichella, MD, MBA, FACS2
1University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
2VA Boston Healthcare System

This is the case of a 66-year-old man with a history of colon polyps, who undergoes colonoscopy every 3 years for surveillance. During the last colonoscopy, he was found to have a polyp at the appendiceal orifice. The biopsy showed the presence of adenoma.

Therefore, the patient underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy with wedge resection of the cecum. The operation went well and took less than an hour. The specimen was opened, and the adenoma was found within the lumen of the appendix, with at least 1.5 cm of clear margin. The patient was sent home the same day, and resumed regular diet and physical activities the following morning.

PUBLISHED: Laparoscopic Interval Appendectomy and Open Umbilical Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic Interval Appendectomy and Open Umbilical Hernia Repair
John Grove1Naomi Sell, MD2Thomas O’Donnell, MD2Noelle N. Saillant, MD2
1Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Massachusetts General Hospital

Acute appendicitis is a medical condition where the appendix becomes inflamed and causes pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. In addition to pain, appendicitis can cause peritonitis, perforations, and can lead to death if left untreated. Laparoscopic appendectomy is the standard surgical procedure to treat the symptoms of appendicitis as well as prevent further spread of infection. While appendicitis typically advances in an irreversible fashion necessitating surgery, conservative management with antibiotic therapy can sometimes resolve symptoms.

In this case, a 24-year-old patient had a delayed presentation with acute perforated appendicitis. Following successful non-operative treatment with antibiotics, she presented for a laparoscopic interval appendectomy. She also had a non-symptomatic umbilical hernia, which was repaired following removal of the laparoscopic ports for the appendectomy.

PREPRINT RELEASE: Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Laparoscopic Appendectomy
VA Boston Healthcare System
Marco Fisichella, MD, MBA, FACS
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School
Associate Chief of Surgery, VA Boston Healthcare System

A 66-year-old man with a history of polyps has undergone colonoscopic surveillance every 3 years. After the recent discovery of an adenoma at the patient’s appendiceal orifice, Dr. Marco Fisichella performs a laparoscopic appendectomy.