Laparoscopic appendectomy: State of the art. Tailored approach to the application of laparoscopic appendectomy?

Controversies and Future Directions in Management of Acute Appendicitis: An Updated Comprehensive Review

Globally, acute appendicitis has an estimated lifetime risk of 7-8%. However, there are numerous controversies surrounding the management of acute appendicitis, and the best treatment approach depends on patient characteristics. Non-operative management (NOM), which involves the utilization of antibiotics and aggressive intravenous hydration, and surgical appendectomy are valid treatment options for healthy adults. NOM is also ideal for poor surgical candidates. Another important consideration is the timing of surgery, i.e., the role of interval appendectomy (IA) and the possibility of delaying surgery for a few hours on index admission. IA refers to surgical removal of the appendix 8-12 weeks after the initial diagnosis of appendicitis. It is ideal in patients with a contained appendiceal perforation on initial presentation, wherein an initial nonoperative approach is preferred. Furthermore, IA can help distinguish malignant and non-malignant causes of acute appendicitis, while reducing the risk of recurrence. On the contrary, a decision to delay appendectomy for a few hours on index admission should be made based on the patients' baseline health status and severity of appendicitis. Post-operatively, surgical drain placement may help reduce postoperative complications; however, it carries an increased risk of drain occlusion, fistula formation, and paralytic ileus. Furthermore, one of the most critical aspects of appendectomy is the closure of the appendiceal stump, which can be achieved with the help of endoclips, sutures, staples, and endoloops. In this review, we discuss different aspects of management of acute appendicitis, current controversies in management, and the potential role of endoscopic appendectomy as a future treatment option.

Single versus double Hem-o-lok clips to secure the apendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy: a prospective randomized multicentric clinical trial

PURPOSE

Polymeric clips (Hem-o-lok ligation system) are now widely used to securing the base of the appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy. Studies comparing the use of single or double hem-o-lok clips are limited. The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of a single hem-o-lok clips with a double hem-o-lok clips for closure of an appendiceal stump.

METHODS

This prospective randomized study includes patients from two centers who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with the diagnosis of appendicitis between September 2020 and March 2023. Demographic, operative and clinical outcomes of the use of single or double hem-o-lok clips for closure of the appendiceal stump were compared. Factors affecting long postoperative hospital stay were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyzes.

RESULTS

One hundred forty two (48.3%) patients in the single hem-o-lok arm and 152 (51.7%) patients in the double hem-o-lok arm were included in the analysis.The shortest operative time was noted in the single hem-o-lok group (52.1 ± 19.9 versus 61.6 ± 24.9 min, p < 0.001). The median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-10) in the single hem-o-lok group and 1 day (range 1-12) in the double hem-o-lok group, and was shorter in the single hem-o-lok arm (1.61 ± 1.56 vs 1.84 ± 1.69, p = 0.019). Based on multivariate analysis, drain placement was identified as an independent predictive factor for long hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of single hem-o-lok clips for appendiceal stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy is safe and effective. Trial registration NCT04387370 ( http://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

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Laparoscopic appendectomy, stump closure and endoloops: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the main indications for urgent surgery. Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has shown advantages in terms of clinical results and cost-effectiveness, even if there is still controversy about different devices to utilize, especially with regards to the endoloop (EL) vs endostapler (ES) when it comes to stump closure.

AIM

To compare safety and cost-effectiveness of EL vs ES.

METHODS

From a prospectively maintained database, data of 996 consecutive patients treated by LA with a 3 years-follow up in the department of Emergency General Surgery - St Orsola University Hospital, Bologna (Italy) were retrieved. A meta-analysis was performed in terms of surgical complications, in comparison to the international literature published from 1995 to 2021.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis showed no evidence regarding wound infections, abdominal abscesses, and total post-operative complications, in terms of superiority of a surgical technique for the stump closure in LA.

CONCLUSION

Even when AA is complicated, the routine use of EL is safe in most patients.

Laparoscopic appendicectomy without the use of disposable materials - a low-cost alternative - 1,552 cases operated in 20 years

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic appendectomy does not have a single protocol on its technical systematization, access routes, and use of energy and staplers. The cost of disposable materials can prevent its widespread use. Alternatives to decrease cost can help disseminate the laparoscopic access to appendectomy.

OBJECTIVE

to introduce a low-cost laparoscopic appendectomy method with good aesthetic results through the location of incisions; to show its viability through its application in 1,552 cases of laparoscopic appendectomy operated between 2000 and 2019 with three portals and very low-cost regarding materials used.

METHODS

we applied three punctures - an umbilical one for the camera (5 or 10mm in diameter), a 10mm puncture in the right iliac fossa, and one 5mm puncture in the left iliac fossa. The materials used were permanent use trocars, grasping forceps, hook, scissors, and needle holder, without the need for any disposable device.

RESULTS

1.552 patients were operated between 2000 and 2019, 56.2% being female, mean age 32.66 years (9-93), average hospital stay of 1.74 days (1-10), and median of 1.2 days.

CONCLUSION

the technique we describe uses three metallic trocars and four permanent instruments, in addition to a single cotton suture. It is, therefore, a very low-cost laparoscopic procedure. Its application has shown good results and low morbidity, which may become the preferred indication for laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of acute appendicitis.

"Misra's appendicular hitch" stich - Innovative technique for simplifying endo-suturing during laparoscopic appendectomy

Laparoscopic suture transfixation and free tie ligation are the most commonly used cost-effective technique of managing the base of the appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy in low resource settings such as India. This becomes technically cumbersome especially in the presence of the long friable appendix and for novice surgeons. We hereby describe an innovative technique of suspending the appendix using a transfacial suture to ease the placement of suture at the base of the appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy.

Acute Appendicitis in Childhood and Adulthood

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of the acute abdomen, with an incidence of 1 per 1000 persons per year. It is one of the main differential diagnoses of unclear abdominal conditions.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications that were retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

RESULTS

In addition to the medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasonography should be performed to establish the diagnosis (and sometimes computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], if ultrasonography is insufficient). Before any treatment is provided, appendicitis is classified as either uncomplicated or complicated. In both types of appendicitis, the decision to treat surgically or conservatively must be based on the overall clinical picture and the patient's risk factors. Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for acute appendicitis in all age groups. In Germany, appendectomy is mainly performed laparoscopically in patients with low morbidity. Uncomplicated appendicitis can, alternatively, be treated conservatively under certain circumstances. A meta-analysis of five randomized, controlled trials has revealed that ca. 37% of adult patients treated conservatively undergo appendectomy within one year. Complicated appendicitis is a serious disease; it can also potentially be treated conservatively (with antibiotics, with or without placement of a drain) as an alternative to surgical treatment.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment is being performed more frequently, but the current state of the evidence does not justify a change of the standard therapy from surgery to conservative treatment.

Laparoscopic appendectomy as an index procedure for surgical trainees: clinical outcomes and learning curve

Surgical training is essential to maintain safety standards in healthcare. The aim of this study is to evaluate learning curves and short-term postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) performed by trainees (TRN) and attendings (ATT). The present study included the medical records of patients with acute appendicitis who underwent a fully LA in our department between January 2013 and December 2018. Cases were divided into trainees (TRN and ATT groups based on the experience of the operating surgeon. The primary outcome measures were 30-day morbidity and mortality. Preoperative patients' clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, operative times, and postoperative hospitalization were compared. Operative times were used to extrapolate learning curves and evaluate the effects of changes in faculty using CUSUM charts. A propensity score matching analysis was performed to reduce differences between cohorts regarding both preoperative characteristics and intraoperative findings. A total of 1173 patients undergoing LA for acute appendicitis were included, of whom 521 (45%) in the TRN group and 652 (55%) in the ATT group. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of complication rates, operative times and length of hospital stay. However, CUSUM chart analysis showed decreased operating times in the TRN group. Operative times improved more quickly for advanced cases. The results of this study indicate that LA can be performed by trainees without detrimental effects on clinical outcomes, procedural safety, and operative times. However, the learning curve is longer than previously acknowledged.

The effect of laparoscopic and open surgery on oxidative DNA damage and IL-37 in children with acute appendicitis

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is considered to be minimally invasive compared with open appendectomy (OA), there are few studies showing this in terms of cytokines and oxidative stress markers.

AIM

LA and OA techniques have been compared in terms of different conditions such as operation time and complication rate. Here, we compared how oxidative DNA damage and some cytokines levels change in relation to LA and OA.

METHOD

This study was performed in children diagnosed with acute appendicitis in our hospital. The study was conducted on 30 children with acute appendicitis in each group. Oxidative DNA damage and malondialdehyde levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and interleukin-1β, interleukin-37, ischaemia-modified albumin and total thiol levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

There was a dramatic decrease in ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels after LA. However, there were no statistically significant differences in pre- and postoperative IMA levels in the OA group. Oxidative DNA damage and malondialdehyde levels were low significantly according to preoperative levels after the LA and OA. Total thiol levels were high in children who underwent LA while they were low after OA. In addition, postoperative interleukin-1β levels were low in both groups. Furthermore, IL-37 levels postoperatively were low in the LA group, while there was no significant change in the OA group.

CONCLUSION

LA had a more positive effect on oxidative DNA damage, IL-1β and IL-37 than the OA. In addition, surgical stress was reduced with LA.

A systematic review on the cost evaluation of two different laparoscopic surgical techniques among 996 appendectomies from a single center

Acute appendicitis is one of the main indications for urgent surgery representing a high-volume procedure worldwide. The current spending review in Italy (and not only in this country) affects the health service and warrants care regarding the use of different surgical devices. The aim of our study is to perform a cost evaluation, comparing the use of endoloops and staplers in complicated acute appendicitis (phlegmonous and gangrenous), taking into consideration the cost of the device in relation to the management of any associated postoperative complications. We retrospectively evaluated 996 laparoscopic appendectomies of adult patients performed in the Emergency General Surgery-St. Orsola University Hospital in Bologna (Italy). Surgical procedures together with the related choice of using endoloops or staplers were performed by attending surgeons or resident surgeons supervised by a tutor. A systematic review was performed to compare our outcomes with those reported in the literature. In our experience, the routine use of endoloop leads to a real estimated saving of 375€ for each performed laparoscopic appendectomy, even considering post-operative complications. Comparing endoloop and stapler groups, the total number of complications is significantly lower in the endoloop group. Our systematic review confirmed these findings even if the superiority of one technique has not been proved yet. Our analysis shows that the routine use of endoloop is safe in most patients affected by acute appendicitis, even when complicated, and it is a cost-effective device even when taking into consideration extra costs for potential post-operative complications.

Comparison of stump closure techniques during laparoscopic appendectomies for complicated appendicitis - results from Pol-LA (Polish laparoscopic appendectomy) multicenter large cohort study

Background: In general, the three main options for stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy are clips, endoscopic staplers and endoloops. However, there is no gold standard, especially regarding complicated acute appendicitis which is generally associated with worse outcomes.Objectives: We aimed to assess the outcomes of different stump closure techniques during laparoscopic appendectomies for complicated appendicitisMethods: Our multicenter observational study of 18 surgical units assessed the outcomes of 1269 laparoscopic appendectomies for complicated appendicitis that used the three main stump closure techniques: clips, staplers and endoloops. Groups were compared in terms of peri- and postoperative outcomes.Results: Staplers were superior in terms of overall morbidity (9.79 vs. 3.29% vs. 7.41%, p = .017) and length of stay (4 vs. 3 vs. 4 days, p < .001) respectively for clips, staplers and endoloops. However, no differences in major complication rates, postoperative intraabdominal abscess formation, reintervention rates and readmission rates were found.Conclusion: Although our results show some clinical benefits of staplers for appendix stump closure, they are based on a non-randomized group of patients and are therefore prone to selection bias. Further well-designed trials taking into consideration not only the clinical benefits, but also, the economic aspects of the surgical treatment of complicated acute appendicitis are needed to confirm our results.

Analysis of the Educational Value of YouTube Laparoscopic Appendectomy Videos

Purpose

To evaluate the educational value of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) videos on YouTube for surgical trainees.

Methods

The search term “Laparoscopic appendectomy” was used on YouTube. The top 100 videos sorted by the number of views were evaluated. Each YouTube account was analyzed, and only videos uploaded by medical physicians were included in this study. Video quality was evaluated using an arbitrary appendectomy scoring system. Video characteristics and Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS) scores were analyzed regarding video quality and upload source.

Results

The video quality of 14 (25.0%) videos was graded as good, 36 (64.3%) moderate, and 6 (10.7%) of poor quality. Video characteristic analysis showed no differences in video quality according to the upload source (p=0.573). Video quality and upload source were not related to video length, total views, days online, number of likes, number of dislikes, number of comments, or GOALS score. Among the factors analyzed, only appendicitis severity was found to be associated with video grade (p=0.049).

Conclusion

The quality of LA YouTube videos varied. Categories considered as viewer feedback were not associated with video grade or upload source. Responsible video uploading by academic institutions, and appropriate censorship by YouTube seems necessary. Further research with objective data on actual application to surgical trainees is necessary.

Appendiceal stump closure with polymeric clips is a reliable alternative to endostaplers

Objective

Polymeric (Hem-o-lok) clips represent a novel technique with which to ligate the appendiceal stump following laparoscopic appendectomy. We compared the outcomes of using polymeric clips versus endostaplers for complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis.

Methods

Six hundred seventy-three consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy with polymeric clips or endostaplers for acute appendicitis were assessed. The primary outcome was the incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses. Predictors of postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses were calculated using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Polymeric clips were used in 65% of patients and endostaplers were used in 35%. Hem-o-lok clips were not only applied in patients with uncomplicated appendicitis (83%), but also in those with complicated appendicitis (26%). The frequency of intra-abdominal abscesses using polymeric clips and endostaplers was similar in both patients with uncomplicated appendicitis (1% vs. 3%, respectively) and complicated appendicitis (2% vs. 6%, respectively). The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the stump closure technique was not a risk factor for postoperative abscesses.

Conclusions

Closure of the appendiceal stump using the nonabsorbable Hem-o-lok ligation system in patients with both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis is a safe alternative to the application of endostaplers.

Absorbable polymeric surgical clips for appendicular stump closure: A randomized control trial of laparoscopic appendectomy with lapro-clips

A randomized control trial was performed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of absorbable polymeric clips for appendicular stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). Patients were randomly enrolled into an experimental group (ligation of the appendicular base with Lapro-Clips, L-C group) or control group (ligation of the appendicular base with Hem-o-lok Clips, H-C group). We identified 1,100 patients who underwent LA between April 1, 2012 and February 3, 2015. Overall, 99 patients (9.0%, 99/1,100) developed a complication following LA (47 [8.5%] in the L-C group and 52 [9.5%] in the H-C group (P = 0.598). No statistically significant differences were observed in intra-abdominal abscesses, stump leakage, superficial wound infections, post-operative abdominal pain, overall adverse events, or the duration of the operations and hospital stays between the groups (all p > 0.05). Adverse risk factors associated with the use of absorbable clips in LA included body mass index ≥ 27.5 kg/m2, diabetes, American Society of Anesthesiologists degree ≥ III, gangrenous appendicitis, severe inflammation of the appendix base, appendix perforation, and the absence of peritoneal drainage. The results indicate that the Lapro-Clip is a safe and effective device for closing the appendicular stump in LA in select patients with appendicitis.

Endostapler versus Hem-O-Lok clip to secure the appendiceal stump and mesoappendix during laparoscopic appendectomy

BACKGROUND

Our study evaluates the safety and cost of using the Hem-O-Lok (HOL) clip in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA).

METHOD

We prospectively compared 30-day postoperative outcomes and cost between HOL clip and endoscopic stapler (ES) in LA at a single institution.

RESULTS

HOL clip was used in 45 out of 92 LA. Perforated appendicitis (29.8% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.027) and postoperative complications were more common in the ES group (19.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, HOL clip was associated with lower complications rate (OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.003-0.744; p = 0.030). In propensity score matched cohort, complications were not different (p > 0.05). In patients with non-perforated appendicitis, HOL use increased operative time by 10 min on average (p = 0.004). Minimum ES cost per single appendectomy was $273.13, while HOL clip cost was $32.14.

CONCLUSION

The use of HOL clip in LA is safe and it reduced the costs of the procedure in comparison to the use of ES.

Robotics in general surgery: A systematic cost assessment

The utilisation of robotic-assisted techniques is a novelty in the field of general surgery. Our intention was to examine the up to date available literature on the cost assessment of robotic surgery of diverse operations in general surgery. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched in a systematic way to retrieve the included studies in our review. Thirty-one studies were retrieved, referring on a vast range of surgical operations. The mean cost for robotic, open and laparoscopic ranged from 2539 to 57,002, 7888 to 16,851 and 1799 to 50,408 Euros, respectively. The mean operative charges ranged from 273.74 to 13,670 Euros. More specifically, for the robotic and laparoscopic gastric fundoplication, the cost ranged from 1534 to 2257 and 657 to 763 Euros, respectively. For the robotic and laparoscopic colectomy, it ranged from 3739 to 17,080 and 3109 to 33,865 Euros, respectively. For the robotic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy, ranged from 1163.75 to 1291 and from 273.74 to 1223 Euros, respectively. The mean non-operative costs ranged from 900 to 48,796 from 8347 to 8800 and from 870 to 42,055 Euros, for robotic, open and laparoscopic technique, respectively. Conversions to laparotomy were present in 34/18,620 (0.18%) cases of laparoscopic and in 22/1488 (1.5%) cases of robotic technique. Duration of surgery robotic, open and laparoscopic ranged from 54.6 to 328.7, 129 to 234, and from 50.2 to 260 min, respectively. The present evidence reveals that robotic surgery, under specific conditions, has the potential to become cost-effective. Large number of cases, presence of industry competition and multidisciplinary team utilisation are some of the factors that could make more reasonable and cost-effective the robotic-assisted technique.

Diagnosis and management of acute appendicitis. EAES consensus development conference 2015

Unequivocal international guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of patients with acute appendicitis are lacking. The aim of the consensus meeting 2015 of the EAES was to generate a European guideline based on best available evidence and expert opinions of a panel of EAES members. After a systematic review of the literature by an international group of surgical research fellows, an expert panel with extensive clinical experience in the management of appendicitis discussed statements and recommendations. Statements and recommendations with more than 70 % agreement by the experts were selected for a web survey and the consensus meeting of the EAES in Bucharest in June 2015. EAES members and attendees at the EAES meeting in Bucharest could vote on these statements and recommendations. In the case of more than 70 % agreement, the statement or recommendation was defined as supported by the scientific community. Results from both the web survey and the consensus meeting in Bucharest are presented as percentages. In total, 46 statements and recommendations were selected for the web survey and consensus meeting. More than 232 members and attendees voted on them. In 41 of 46 statements and recommendations, more than 70 % agreement was reached. All 46 statements and recommendations are presented in this paper. They comprise topics regarding the diagnostic work-up, treatment indications, procedural aspects and post-operative care. The consensus meeting produced 46 statements and recommendations on the diagnostic work-up and management of appendicitis. The majority of the EAES members supported these statements. These consensus proceedings provide additional guidance to surgeons and surgical residents providing care to patients with appendicitis.

Hospital preference of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: Effects on outcomes in simple and complicated appendicitis

PURPOSE

We hypothesize that laparoscopic (LA) or open appendectomy (OA) outcomes are associated with hospital procedure preference.

METHODS

We queried Kids' Inpatient Database (1997-2009) for simple (ICD-9-CM 540.9) and complicated (540.0, 540.1) appendicitis.

RESULTS

On PS-matched analysis of simple appendicitis (91,118 LA vs. 97,496 OA), LA had increased transfusion (1.7) rates, but lower wound infection (0.6) and perforation/laceration (0.3) rates. LA had shorter length of stay (LOS; 1.7 vs. 2.1days), but higher total charges (TC; 19,501 vs. 13,089 USD) and cost (7121 vs. 5968) vs. OA. For complicated appendicitis (28,793 LA vs. 30,782 OA), LA had increased nausea/vomiting rates (1.9), but lower wound infection (0.5) and transfusion (0.6) rates. LA had shorter LOS (5.1 vs. 5.9), but higher TC (32,251 vs. 28,209). MVA demonstrated shorter LOS (0.9) for LA at laparoscopic-preferring hospitals vs. open-preferring hospitals for simple appendicitis. For complicated appendicitis, higher complication rates (1.1) were associated with OA at laparoscopic-preferring hospitals. Laparoscopic-preferring hospitals had higher TC in all categories.

CONCLUSION

Complications and resource utilization for appendicitis are associated with surgical technique and hospital procedure preference. Laparoscopic-preferring hospitals had higher complication rates with OA for complicated appendicitis and higher charges regardless of appendectomy technique or appendicitis type.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2c, Outcomes Research.

Endoloops or endostapler use in laparoscopic appendectomy for acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis : No difference in infectious complications

BACKGROUND

The most appropriate closure for the appendicular stump with either endoloops or an endostapler in laparoscopic appendectomy remains unclear and under debate because of limited and conflicting evidence.

METHODS

In a 2-month prospective, observational, resident-led nationwide cohort study, patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for both uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis were analysed. Logistic regression analyses were performed for identifying the possible effect of stump closure type and other risk factors for infectious complications.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis was performed in 1369 patients in 62 hospitals; endoloops were used in 76.7 % and an endostapler in other patients. Median operating time was not different between endoloop and endostapler use (42.0 vs. 44.0 min, P = 0.243). A superficial surgical site infection was seen in 2.0 % after uncomplicated appendicitis and in 0.8 % after complicated appendicitis. The intra-abdominal abscess rate was 1.9 % after uncomplicated and 11.0 % after complicated appendicitis. No significant effect of stump closure type was observed for any infectious complication (OR 1.05; 95 % CI 0.625-1.766, P = 0.853) or an intra-abdominal abscess (OR OR 0.96; 95 % CI 0.523-1.768, P = 0.899). In multivariable analysis, complicated appendicitis was identified as the only independent risk factor for an intra-abdominal abscess (OR 6.26; 95 % CI 3.454-11.341, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The infectious complication rate is not influenced by the type of appendicular stump closure with either endoloops or an endostapler in this study. If technically feasible, closure with endoloops is advised for cost considerations.

Appendix extraction after laparoscopic appendectomy in children: An easy, safe, and inexpensive technique

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic appendectomy is becoming an increasingly common operation among children. It is well known that the abdominal wall should not be exposed to the appendix's inflamed tissue during its removal. Several ways to protect the retrieval site have been described, with controversial results. Elevated costs, large surgical wounds and high contamination risks are typical reported issues.

OBJECTIVE

We describe a safe, cheap and easy technique to remove the appendix after a laparoscopic appendectomy in pediatric patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected and analyzed the files of all children operated on at our institution for laparoscopic appendectomy between September 2004 and April 2015. To remove the appendix, we used the cut end of a glove's finger.

RESULTS

We performed 291 laparoscopic appendectomies using this technique during an 11-year period. Patients' ages ranged from 2 to 16years old. The appendix could be extracted using this technique in all the cases. No intraoperative complications related to the technique were observed. Overall, only one patient (0.34%) presented wound complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Avoiding wide surgical incisions and abdominal wall contaminations is essential during laparoscopic appendectomies in children. Our easy, safe and cheap technique allows these important goals to be achieved.

The TICAP-Study (titanium clips for appendicular stump closure): A prospective multicentre observational study on appendicular stump closure with an innovative titanium clip

Background

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the DS Titanium Ligation Clip for appendicular stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods

Overall, 502 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were recruited for this observational multicentre study in nine study centres between October 2011 and July 2013. The clip was finally applied in 390 patients. Primary outcome variables were feasibility of the clip, intra-abdominal surgical site (abscesses, stump leakages) and superficial wound infections. Patients were followed 30 days after surgery.

Results

The clip was applicable in nearly 80 % of patients. Reasons for not applying the clip were mainly an inflamed caecum or a too large diameter of the appendix base. Superficial wound infections were found in nine (2.31 %), intra-abdominal abscesses in five (1.28 %), appendicular stump leak in one (0.26 %), and other adverse events in 22 (5.64 %) patients. In total, 12 (3.08 %) patients were re-admitted to hospital for treatment. Seven re-admissions were surgery-related; ten (2.56 %) patients had to be re-operated. One patient died during the course of the study due to persisting peritonitis (mortality 0.26 %).

Conclusions

The results suggest that the DS Titanium Ligation Clip is a safe and effective option in securing the appendicular stump in laparoscopic appendectomy. The complication rates found with the use of the DS-Clip are comparable to the rates in the literature when other methods are used.

Trial Registration

NCT01734837.

Three port laparoscopic appendectomy technique with low cost and aesthetic advantage

INTRODUCTION

Despite dating more than 30 years after the first laparoscopic appendectomy, ileocecal appendix resection is still performed by laparotomy in more than 90% of cases, in our country.

AIM

To describe a technique for laparoscopic removal of the ileocecal appendix with three portals, at low cost and very good aesthetic appearance.

TECHNIQUE

Three incisions, one umbilical and two suprapubic are made; permanent material used comprises: grasping forceps, hook, scissors, needle holders, three metal trocars and four other usual instruments, and a single strand of cotton. There is no need to use of operative extractors bags, clips, endoloops, staples or bipolar or harmonic energy instruments. Allows triangulation and instrumentation in the conventional manner.

CONCLUSION

The proposed technique is safe and reproducible, easily teachable, at very low cost and can be applied in general hospitals with conventional laparoscopic equipment.