The Influence of the Appendiceal Base Diameter on Appendix Stump Closure in Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

BACKGROUND

Closure of the appendiceal stump is the most critical part of laparoscopic appendectomy. Establishing the average diameter of the inflamed appendix, and forming the appropriate size of clip, endoloop or stapler length, would make this critical phase of laparoscopic appendectomy easier.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty consecutive patients, with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis, were included in this study and divided into three groups according to the histological verification of the status of the infection, as follows: phlegmonous, gangrenous and perforated forms of acute appendicitis. The external diameter of the appendiceal base was measured, and the widest part of the appendix with the mesoappendix and the tip, with the help of Vernier callipers, and the measurement was expressed in millimetres.

RESULTS

The average size of the appendiceal base in the phlegmonous form was 10.29 ± 3.13, in the gangrenous form 12.41 ± 3.56, and in the perforated form 12.42 ± 3.64. The maximal size of base was observed in the perforated form, 23.13 mm. The dimensions of the appendiceal base, the central part and the tip in the phlegmonous form were statistically significantly smaller than in the gangrenous and perforated forms of acute appendicitis. The size of the appendix did not differ statistically significantly in the gangrenous and perforated forms of acute appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

In view of the price, the size of the opening, radiological advantage and biocompatibility, the Hem-o-lok clip is the most effective, although its internal diameter should be increased. The DS clip is also effective, but the size of the opening sometimes makes application difficult, and possibly increasing the length of the legs and the opening would make this clip ideal. Staplers have the best characteristics, but their price means they are an option only for forms where it is not possible to close the stump using other methods.