Laparoscopic appendectomy using a single umbilical puncture (minilaparoscopy).

The surgical outcome of the first 25 patients in whom the Pelosi single-puncture laparoscopic appendectomy technique was employed demonstrates the new approach as a safe, inexpensive and effective alternative to the currently used multiple-puncture method. The results suggest single-puncture (minilaparoscopy) operative endoscopy as the ultimate goal in the progression of minimally invasive surgery.