Technical modifications of appendiceal transection during laparoscopic appendectomy.

INTRODUCTION

Appendiceal transection is the most critical part of laparoscopic appendectomy (LAPPE). The aim of our study was to evaluate post-operative and economic outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy with different technical modifications of transection of the appendix.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, unicenter clinical study comparing different techniques of appendiceal transection in patients with acute appendicitis during the study period (18 months). The patients were randomized to one of three arms - endoloop, hem-o-lok clips and the stapler.

RESULTS

In total, 120 patients were enrolled in the study. The shortest operative time was noted in the hem-o-lok arm (37.3 minutes); mean length of hospital stay (3.7 days) was comparable in all study arms. Postoperative morbidity was 6.6%; all recorded complications were SSIs (Surgical Site Infections). The number of postoperative complications was comparable in all study arms. Mean direct costs of laparoscopic appendectomy were lowest in the hem-o-lok arm. According to our findings, LAPPE is not a profit making surgery irrespective of the type of appendiceal transection (mean profit in the study patients was CZK -4019).

CONCLUSION

The rate of postoperative complications was similar for all the technical modifications of appendiceal stump closure. As indicated by the study outcomes, hem-o-lok clips have the potential of becoming the method of choice in securing the appendix base during LAPPE.