Emergency laparoscopic surgery--the Changi General Hospital experience.

Introduction: This paper analyses the emergency laparoscopic procedures undertaken by our unit over a 1-year period in an effort to evaluate the diagnostic-therapeutic use of laparoscopy in an emergency situation. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study that analysed 137 emergency laparoscopic procedures that were performed for patients who presented with acute abdominal pain over a 1-year period from 31 December 1999 to 31 December 2000. Results: A definitive diagnosis was made in 91.2% (125). Of the 78 cases that required surgical intervention, 71.8% (56) were performed laparoscopically. The conversion rate (to open surgery) was 16.8% (23) and the morbidity rate was 8% (11); with no mortalities. Conclusion: We conclude that laparoscopic surgery is effective and safe in the non-elective setting and it offers a high potential for diagnosis and therapy in selected patients in whom the diagnoses are equivocal.