Edward VII's appendix.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic procedures in gastrointestinal surgery have increasingly been used over the last ten years. This study explores the use of various common laparoscopic procedures in Norway. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all 59 public hospitals in Norway in January 1999, of which all but one responded. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 54 out of 58 hospitals. RESULTS: Most hospitals perform between 11 and 20% of all gastrointestinal operations with laparoscopic technique. Laparoscopic cholecystectomies and anti-reflux surgery have generally replaced open procedures in all hospitals. Appendectomy by the laparoscopic technique accounts for approximately 10% of cases and has become the preferred technique in only one of ten hospitals. Laparoscopic hernia repairs are done in less than 10% of cases. Overall, surgeons' satisfaction with laparoscopy is good and seems slightly higher in district and central hospitals than in university hospitals. Half of all surgical departments plan to use more laparoscopic procedures. INTERPRETATION: Laparoscopic procedures have replaced conventional open surgical procedures for some procedures but is less used than expected ten years ago. A slow and gradual increase may be expected in the years ahead.

Appendectomy↗