I do follow as far as possible the Cochrane Review for Lap Appendectomy. I am now into Lap TEP hernia repair. Lap ventral hernia repair has definite advantages except for very small hernias which can be repaired by Mayo’s technique.

1. Cholecystectomy: no fight. Lap wins hands down.

2. Appendicectomy: a lot of advantages. Use in the appropriate setting.

Cochrane Review: Laparoscopic versus open surgery for suspected appendicitis. The authors’ concluded that:

In those clinical settings where surgical expertise and equipment are available and affordable, diagnostic laparoscopy and LA (either in combination or separately) seem to have various advantages over OA. Some of the clinical effects of LA, however, are small and of limited clinical relevance. In spite of the mediocre quality of the available research data, we would generally recommend to use laparoscopy and LA in patients with suspected appendicitis unless laparoscopy itself is contraindicated or not feasible. Especially young female, obese, and employed patients seem to benefit from LA.

“Lap” sounds better than “open” to patients too