Laparoscopy better for appendectomy

Having your appendix removed with laparoscopic techniques has definite advantages over traditional surgery, according to a new study.

Researchers reviewed 43,000 patient records and found shorter hospital stays, a lower infection rate and fewer complications. The study was published in the January issue of the Annals of Surgery. Read the abstract.

In laparoscopy, surgeons make smaller incisions and use cameras to watch what they're doing under the patient's skin.