Laparoscopic appendectomy, introduced in gynecology by Semm in 1982, has been modified and practiced in our surgical ward since May 1987 in more than 450 patients suffering from all stages of acute and chronic vermix diseases. We report our data on the first series of 388 operations, in which we had the encouraging experience that laparoscopic appendectomy is a practicable and reasonable alternative to routine surgery.

Appendectomy was performed using a laparoscopic approach in 915 patients. The collected data show that the technique is as feasible, rapid, and safe as open surgery. Few wound infections, minimal pain, and rapid postoperative mobilization are the main arguments in favor of laparoscopic appendectomy. The most important potential benefit, a lower incidence of long-term complications such as adhesive intestinal obstruction, remains to be confirmed by prolonged follow-up of our patients.

The application of an adjustable silicone gastric band is a very efficient and long-term method to reduce the weight in morbid obesity. The surgical technique is exacting; standardization of the procedure diminishes the complication rate. 370 patients with morbid obesity underwent the laparoscopic application of a gastric band between May 1996 and September 1997. Two different kinds of gastric bands were used in these surgeries. The data are shown in two series. The total morbidity rate was 16.8%, in series II 4.5%. The mortality rate was 0%. The average loss of weight came to 12 kg (5.3%) after 4 weeks, 18% after 3 months, 37.4% after 6 months and 48.4% after 1 year.

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