Laparoscopic surgery includes operations within the abdominal or pelvic cavities. Appendectomy may be performed laparoscopically (as minimally invasive surgery) or as an open operation. Laparoscopy is often used if the diagnosis is in doubt, or in order to leave a less visible surgical scar. Recovery may be slightly faster after laparoscopic surgery, although the laparoscopic procedure itself is more expensive and resource-intensive than open surgery and generally takes longer.

Diagnostic laparoscopy is usually performed either under general anesthesia but may be done under local anesthesia with sedation in selected cases. With your help, your surgeon and an anesthesiologist will decide on a method of anesthesia to perform safe and successful surgery.