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 postoperative 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.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy with Immersive Appendiceal Stump Closure in Patient with Vermiform Appendix Abnormality

Background. Acute appendicitis is a common emergency surgical pathology, with laparoscopic appendectomy being the “gold standard” in its treatment.Aim. We report a clinical case of laparoscopic appendectomy with immersive appendiceal stump closure in a patient with vermiform appendix abnormality.Materials and methods. Patient K. was emergently admitted to the Surgical Hospital of Ekaterininskaya Clinic in June 2019 with a clinical picture of acute appendicitis. Symptoms, disease anamnesis, instrumental and laboratory examinations conformed to acute appendicitis.Results and discussion. The patient was rendered an emergent surgery. Intraoperative picture corresponded to acute phlegmonous appendicitis with malformation (a wide conical base) of the vermiform appendix. Immersive appendiceal stump closure was chosen as treatment. Alternative opinions coexist on justifying a particular appendiceal stump closure strategy. Immersive treatment is our method of choice in terms of implementation and safety in the particular clinical case. Th is method requires the surgeon’s technical experience.Conclusion. A clinical case is reported of performing laparoscopic appendectomy with immersive appendiceal stump closure in a patient with vermiform appendix malformation. Despite the appendix abnormality, immersive treatment of the appendiceal stump was justified as safe in this case and entailed no complications in postoperative period.

Cost Effectiveness of Different Methods of Appendiceal Stump Closure during Laparoscopic Appendectomy

There is no standard method for closure of an appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. This study compares stump closure using a stapler with closure using an Endoloop ligature. The charts of all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at a single tertiary care center over a two-year period were reviewed for demographics, comobidities, operative details and costs, and outcomes. There were 325 patients who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy. The majority, 250 (77%), underwent stump closure with a stapler. They were equivalent in demographics and postoperative complication rates. Cases using an Endoloop were slightly faster in terms of procedure time and room time, and less expensive in terms of operative supply cost. The price difference is not explained by time saved in the operating room and more likely by the equipment price.