What is the learning curve for laparoscopic appendectomy?

When contemplating converting from open to laparoscopic appendectomy, a prudent surgeon should consider the anticipated learning curve. To evaluate this we reviewed our experience with 20 sequential patients representing this transition. We found the learning curve was brief and did not compromise clinical results. A reduction in hospitalization time without a rise in total hospital costs should encourage the experienced laparoscopic surgeon to consider laparoscopic appendectomy as a viable alternative to standard laparotomy in the resection of the acutely inflamed appendix.