[Laparoscopic hand-assisted operation. Review of the literature and initial personal experiences with the HandPort System].

Background: During complex laparoscopic operations sometimes the situation of a "missing hand" will occur. Using a device for hand assistance, the surgeon can place one hand into the abdominal cavity to assist the laparoscopic procedures.

Method: After a laparotomy of 7-8 cm length, the surgeon can bring one hand into the abdomen via a special device maintaining the pneumoperitoneum.

[Laparoscopic appendectomy in advanced stages of appendicitis].

The laparoscopic stapling appendectomy (LA) is a safe and efficient procedure for all forms of appendicitis. Overall, LA was performed in 51.8% of 280 patients with advanced appendicitis, in 1998 in more than 85%, due to increasing experience.

[Laparoscopy in intra-abdominal infection. Its diagnostic value and therapeutic possibilities].

In 550 patients with the clinical features of acute abdomen a surgical laparoscopy was performed. In 121 cases there was found an unspecific reason of the acute abdominal disease that did not require surgical therapy. In 349 cases a regional peritonitis was found, 80 times a diffuse peritonitis.

[Surgical laparoscopy in acute abdomen].

In 582 patients, laparoscopy was performed for acute abdominal pain and symptoms of acute abdomen. It allowed a clear diagnosis in 96% as compared to 42% by sonography and 25% by X-ray. In 134 cases (22%) laparotomy (i.