APPEndicitis and Laparoscopic Criteria; APPEL Study
APPEndicitis and Laparoscopic Criteria; APPEL Study
A diagnostic laparoscopy is frequently used to confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.
 However, laparoscopic criteria for determining appendicitis are not defined. If there is any
 doubt about the presence of an abnormal appendix, it is usually removed. However, an
 appendectomy of a negative appendix has a certain morbidity and for that reason it should be
 avoided. The purpose of this study is to establish laparoscopic criteria for the diagnosis
 appendicitis during diagnostic laparoscopy.
The UMCG hospital protocol of suspicion of appendicitis includes a diagnostic laparoscopy.
 The laparoscopic inspection of the appendix is carried out according to a specific protocol.
 In case of appendicitis the appendix is removed laparoscopically, a normal appendix is not
 removed. The primary outcome of the study is: appendicitis according to pathologic
 examination following appendectomy, or appendicitis according to clinical follow-up in case
 the appendix is not removed.

 The clinical diagnosis of appendicitis in the follow-up should be confirmed radiologic
 examination (ultrasound, CT-scan, MRI) or by a re-operation.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Informed consent

 -  Patients who will undergo a diagnostic laparoscopy for suspicion of appendicitis

 -  No age or gender limits

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Elective scheduled appendectomy

 -  Unable to give informed consent