Description

Extraction Through Colpotomy. Prophylactic removal of the appendix during a benign gynecologic procedure is known as an elective incidental laparoscopic appendectomy. Incidental appendectomy at the time of cesarean delivery was reported initially in 1959. Subsequent studies of removal of a normal-appearing appendix at the time of gynecologic surgery have met with considerable debate. Proponents argue that the removal of the appendix at the time of abdominal hysterectomy does not increase operative time or postoperative morbidity. More important, it does prevent future appendicitis. Advantages of incidental appendectomy include technical ease, low patient morbidity and mortality, and significant diagnostic and protective value. It also prevents conflicting diagnoses, especially in patients who have chronic pelvic pain, a ruptured ovarian cyst, or endometriosis. Other patients likely to benefit from elective incidental appendectomy are those who are undergoing abdominal radiation or chemotherapy, women unable to communicate health complaints, and those who are planning to undergo complex abdominal or pelvic procedures that are likely to cause extensive adhesions.