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APPEndicitis and Laparoscopic Criteria; APPEL Study

A Prospective Evaluation to Determine Laparoscopic Criteria for the Diagnosis Appendicitis During a Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Observational
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT01054417
Acronym
APPEL
Enrollment
142
Registered
2010-01-22
Start date
2009-12-31
Completion date
2011-07-31
Last updated
2011-11-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Appendicitis

Keywords

Appendicitis, Laparoscopy, Appendectomy

Brief summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Interventions

None listed

Sponsors

University Medical Center Groningen
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
No

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

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frame
Accuracy of appendix characterization by histology or clinically3 months

Secondary

MeasureTime frame
Readmission3 months
Re-operation3 months
Intra-abdominal abcess3 months

Countries

Netherlands

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026