Laparoscopic vs mini-incision open appendectomy

AIM: To compare laparoscopic vs mini-incision open appendectomy in light of recent data at our centre.METHODS: The data of patients who underwen appendectomy between January 2011 and June 2013 were collected. The data included patients' demographic data, procedure time, length of hospital stay, the need for pain medicine, postoperative visual analog scale o pain, and morbidities. Pregnant women and patients with previous lower abdominal surgery were excluded Patients with surgery converted from laparoscopic appendectomy(LA) to mini-incision open appendectomy(MOA) were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: LA and MOA done by the same surgeon. The patients were randomized into MOA and LA groups a computer-generated number. The diagnosis of acute appendicitis was made by the surgeon with physica examination, laboratory values, and radiological tests(abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography). Al operations were performed with general anaesthesia The postoperative vision analog scale score was recorded at postoperative hours 1, 6, 12, and 24. Patients were discharged when they tolerated normal food and passed gas and were followed up every week for three weeks as outpatients.RESULTS: Of the 243 patients, 121(49.9%) underwen MOA, while 122(50.1%) had laparoscopic appendectomy There were no significant differences in operation time between the two groups(P = 0.844), whereas the visua analog scale of pain was significantly higher in the open appendectomy group at the 1st hour(P = 0.001), 6th hour(P = 0.001), and 12 th hour(P = 0.027). The need for analgesic medication was significantly higher in the MOA group(P = 0.001). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of morbidity rate(P = 0.599)The rate of total complications was similar between the two groups(6.5% in LA vs 7.4% in OA, P = 0.599). Al wound infections were treated non-surgically. Six ou of seven patients with pelvic abscess were successfully treated with percutaneous drainage; one patient requiredsurgical drainage after a failed percutaneous drainage. There were no differences in the period of hospital stay, operation time, and postoperative complication rate between the two groups. Laparoscopic appendectomy decreases the need for analgesic medications and the visual analog scale of pain.CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic appendectomy should be considered as a standard treatment for acute appendicitis. Mini-incision appendectomy is an alternative for a select group of patients.

Laparoscopic Appendectomies at Brazzaville University Hospital

Introduction: Acute appendicitis represents an urgent surgical condition, requiring the removal of the vermiform appendix. Laparoscopy is the standard surgical approach. This study aimed to outline the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and outcome characteristics of patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis. Patients and Methods: A descriptive, retrospective analysis was carried out in the Emergency and Digestive Surgery departments of the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville, spanning two years from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022. The study included all patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for non-complicated acute appendicitis. Results: The study included 12 cases of non-complicated acute appendicitis treated with urgent laparoscopy. The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 8.9 years, with a sex ratio of 0.7. The predominant symptom leading to consultation was pain in the right iliac fossa, with an average time to consultation of 6.4 ± 5.7 hours. Patient histories included diabetes in one case, obesity in two cases, and one case of prior abdominoplasty. During surgery, a phlegmonous appendix was observed in nine patients. The average duration of hospital stay was 3.6 ± 1.3 days, with all patients experiencing uncomplicated recoveries. Conclusion: The practice of emergency laparoscopic appendectomy is still relatively infrequent in our setting and presents an ongoing challenge.

Clinical significance of appendicoliths in elderly patients over eighty years old undergoing emergency appendectomy:A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis with an appendicolith is one of the most common abdominal emergencies in elderly patients and is more likely to progress to gangrene and perforation.AIM To analyze the clinical data of elderly patients undergoing emergency appende-ctomy for acute appendicitis,aiming to improve treatment strategies.METHODS The clinical data of 122 patients over 80 years old who underwent emergency appendectomy for acute appendicitis at the Department of Emergency Surgery of Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University from January 2016 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of an appendicolith or not,and clinicopathological and surgery-related features were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The duration of abdominal pain in all 122 patients ranged from 5 to 168 h.All patients underwent emergency appendectomy:6 had an open appendectomy,101 had a laparoscopic appendectomy,and 15 required conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery,resulting in a conversion rate of 12.9%(15/116).The patients were divided into two groups:Appendicolith group(n=46)and non-appendi-colith group(n=76).Comparisons of clinicopathological features revealed that patients with appendicoliths were more likely to develop appendiceal gangrene(84.8%vs 64.5%,P=0.010)and perforation(67.4%vs 48.7%,P=0.044),and had a lower surgical conversion rate(2.2%vs 19.7%,P=0.013).The median length of hospital stay was 5.0 d for both groups and there was no significant difference between them.All patients were successfully dis-charged.CONCLUSION Around 40%of patients over 80 years old with acute appendicitis have an appendicolith,increasing their risk of developing appendiceal gangrene and perforation,and therefore should receive timely surgical treatment.

Modified technical protocol for single-port laparoscopic appendectomy using needle-type grasping forceps for acute simple appendicitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Because of the mild inflammatory status in acute uncomplicated appendicitis,our team developed a novel technical protocol for single-port laparoscopic appendec-tomy using needle-type grasping forceps(SLAN)and achieved positive clinical outcomes.However,the intraoperative procedure lacked stability and fluency due to a series of problems highlighted by the small incision design of the proto-col(only 1 cm long).Therefore,there is a growing clinical demand to further opti-mize the SLAN protocol.CASE SUMMARY An adult male patient was admitted for persistent right lower abdominal pain with preoperative computed tomography findings suggestive of appendicitis accompanied by localized peritonitis.A modified technical protocol for SLAN based on minimally invasive surgical principles was used,and the patient was confirmed to have acute simple appendicitis by postoperative pathological ana-lysis.Postoperative recovery was uneventful,and no postoperative complications,such as incision infection or severe incision pain,were observed.The patient was discharged successfully on postoperative day 2.CONCLUSION The modified technical protocol of SLAN may be a new minimally invasive surgical alternative for patients with acute simple appendicitis.

Clinical significance of peri-appendiceal abscess and phlegmon in acute complicated appendicitis patients undergoing emergency appendectomy

BACKGROUND Although antibiotic therapy has become the primary treatment for acute unco-mplicated appendicitis,the management of acute complicated appendicitis nece-ssitates careful consideration of various treatment options.AIM To analyze the clinical data of patients who underwent emergency appendectomy for acute complicated appendicitis with peri-appendiceal abscess or phlegmon,identify factors influencing the postoperative length of hospital stay(LOS),and improve treatment strategies.METHODS The clinical data of acute complicated appendicitis patients with peri-appendiceal abscess or phlegmon who underwent emergency appendectomy at The Depart-ment of Emergency Surgery,Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University from January 2016 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS A total of 234 patients were included in our study.The duration of symptoms and the presence of an appendicolith were significantly correlated with the occurrence of peri-appendiceal abscess in patients with acute complicated appendicitis(P<0.001 and P=0.015,respectively).Patients with symptoms lasting longer than 72 h had a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with symptoms lasting 72 h or less[hazard ratio(HR),1.208;95%CI:1.107-1.319;P<0.001].Additionally,patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses had a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with phlegmon(HR,1.217;95%CI:1.095-1.352;P<0.001).The patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses were divided into two groups based on the median size of the abscess:Those with abscesses smaller than 5.0 cm(n=69)and those with abscesses 5.0 cm or larger(n=82).Patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses measuring 5.0 cm or larger had a significantly longer postoperative LOS than those with abscesses smaller than 5.0 cm(P=0.038).CONCLUSION The duration of symptoms and the presence of an appendicolith are significant risk factors for the formation of peri-appendiceal abscesses in patients with acute complicated appendicitis.Patients with peri-appendiceal abscesses experience a significantly longer postoperative LOS compared to those with peri-appendiceal phlegmon.

Protective effect of appendectomy against the onset of ulcerative colitis:A case-control study

BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that appendectomy has a protective effect against ulcera-tive colitis(UC);however,relatively few studies focusing on this topic have been reported in China.AIM To explore the correlation between appendectomy and the onset of UC.METHODS A total of 313 patients with newly diagnosed UC and 313 healthy individuals were selected for this study.According to whether their appendix was removed before the diagnosis of UC,patients were divided into appendectomized and non-appendectomized groups.Their general clinical data,appendectomy history,disease severity,extent of involvement,and blood routine test results were collec-ted to evaluate the relationship between appendectomy and the onset of UC.RESULTS The study revealed that the average time interval for the diagnosis of UC after appendectomy was 14.72±13.87 years.55.81%patients were diagnosed with UC five years after appendectomy.Among them,eight patients underwent appendec-tomy before the age of 20 years and were diagnosed with UC five years later.In the appendectomized group,the onset age of UC was higher,and the degree of disease activity was significantly lower.This group had a higher proportion of patients in clinical remission or with mild disease and a lower proportion of patients with severe disease.The extent of lesions in the appendectomized group was limited,with a higher pro-portion of E1 and E2,whereas a lower proportion of E3 lesions.CONCLUSION Appendectomy may delay the onset of UC,reduce disease severity,and lessen the scope of involvement.

Effects of oral probiotics on inflammation and intestinal function in adult patients after appendectomy:Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Appendectomy is an acute abdominal surgery that is often accompanied by severe abdominal inflammation.Oral probiotics are one of the postoperative treatments for rapid rehabilitation.However,there is a lack of prospective studies on this topic after appendectomy.AIM To investigate whether the postoperative probiotics can modulate the inflammatory response and restore intestinal function in patients following appendectomy.METHODS This was a prospective,randomized trial.A total of 60 emergency patients were randomly divided into a control group(n=30)and a probiotic group(n=30).Patients in the control group started to drink some water the first day after surgery,and those in the probiotic group were given water supplemented with Bacillus licheniformis capsules for 5 consecutive days postsurgery.The indices of inflammation and postoperative conditions were recorded,and the data were analyzed with RStudio 4.3.2 software.RESULTS A total of 60 participants were included.Compared with those in the control group,the C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin 6 and procalcitonin(PCT)levels were significantly lower in the probiotic group at 2 d after surgery(P=2.224e-05,P=0.037,and P=0.002,respectively,all P<0.05).This trend persisted at day 5 post-surgery,with CRP and PCT levels remaining significantly lower in the probiotic group(P=0.001 and P=0.043,both P<0.05).Furthermore,probiotics0.028,both P<0.05).CONCLUSION Postoperative oral administration of probiotics may modulate the gut microbiota,benefit the recovery of the early inflammatory response,and subsequently enhance recovery after appendectomy.

Surgical treatment of lower lumbar fracture with mini-incision via retroperitoneal anterior approach

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of surgical treatment of lower lumbar fracture with mini-incision via retroperitoneal anterior approach. Methods The data of 21 cases with serious lower lumbar burst fracture were analyzed retrospectively.

Unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and implications of unusual histopathological findings in appendectomy specimens from patients with suspected acute appendicitis. METHODS: The demographic and histopathological data of 1621 patients (≥ 16 years-old) who underwent appendectomy to treat an initial diagnosis of acute appendicitis between January 1999 and November 2011 were retrospectively assessed. Microscopic findings were used to classify the patients under six categories: appendix vermiformis, phlegmonous appendicitis, gan- grenous appendicitis, perforated appendicitis, supurative appendicitis, and unusual histopathologic findings. The demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with unusual histopathologic findings were evaluated in detail, and re-analysis of archived resected appendix specimens was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 912 males and 709 females, from16 to 94 years old, were included in the study and comprised 789 cases of suppurative appendicitis, 370 cases of appendix vermiformis, 243 cases of perforated gangrenous appendicitis, 53 cases of flegmaneous appendicitis, 32 cases of gangrenous appendicitis, and 134 (8.3%) cases of unusual histopathological findings. The unusual histopathological findings included fibrous obliteration (n = 62), enterobius vermicularis (n = 31), eosinophilic infiltration (n = 10), mucinous cystadenoma (n = 8), carcinoid tumor (n = 6), granulomatous inflammation (n = 5), adenocarcinoma (n = 4; one of them mucinous), and mucocele (n = 3), adenomatous polyp (n = 1), taenia sup (n = 1), ascaris lumbricoides (n = 1), appendiceal diverticula (n = 1), and B cell non-hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1). None of the 11 patients with subsequent diagnosis of tumor were suspected of cancer prior to the appendectomy. CONCLUSION: Even when the macroscopic appearance of appendectomy specimens is normal, histopathological assessment will allow early diagnosis of many unusual diseases.

Laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: How to discourage surgeons using inadequate therapy

Acute appendicitis(AA) develops in a progressive and irreversible manner, even if the clinical course of AA can be temporarily modified by intentional medications. Reliable and real-time diagnosis of AA can be made based on findings of the white blood cell count and enhanced computed tomography. Emergent laparoscopic appendectomy(LA) is considered as the first therapeutic choice for AA. Interval/delayed appendectomy at 6-12 wk after disease onset is considered as unsafe with a high recurrent rate during the waiting time. However, this technique may have some advantages for avoiding unnecessary extended resection in patients with an appendiceal mass. Nonoperative management of AA may be tolerated only in children. Postoperative complications increase according to the patient's factors, and temporal avoidance of emergent general anesthesia may be beneficial for high-risk patients. The surgeon's skill and cooperation of the hospital are important for successful LA. Delaying appendectomy for less than 24 h from diagnosis is safe. Additionally, a semi-elective manner(i.e., LA within 24 h after onset of symptoms) may be paradoxically acceptable, according to the factors of the patient, physician, and institution. Prompt LA is mandatory for AA. Fortunately, the Japanese government uses a universal health insurance system, which covers LA.

Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy vs conventional laparoscopic appendectomy:Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To assess the differences in clinical benefits and disadvantages of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy(SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy(CLA).METHODS: The Cochrane Library,MEDLINE,Embase,Science Citation Index Expanded,and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were electronically searched up through January 2013 to identify randomized controlled trails(RCTs) comparing SILA with CLA.Data was extracted from eligible studies to evaluate the pooled outcome effects for the total of 1068 patients.The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.2.0.For dichotomous data and continuous data,the risk ratio(RR) and the mean difference(MD) were calculated,respectively,with 95%CI for both.For continuous outcomes with different measurement scales in different RCTs,the standardized mean difference(SMD) was calculated with 95%CI.Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed when necessary.RESULTS: Six RCTs were identified that compared SILA(n = 535) with CLA(n = 533).Five RCTs had a high risk of bias and one RCT had a low risk of bias.SILA was associated with longer operative time(MD = 5.68,95%CI: 3.91-7.46,P < 0.00001),higher conversion rate(RR = 5.14,95%CI: 1.25-21.10,P = 0.03) and better cosmetic satisfaction score(MD = 0.52,95%CI: 0.30-0.73,P < 0.00001) compared with CLA.No significant differences were found for total complications(RR = 1.15,95%CI: 0.76-1.75,P = 0.51),drain insertion(RR = 0.72,95%CI: 0.41-1.25,P = 0.24),or length of hospital stay(SMD = 0.04,95%CI:-0.08-0.16,P = 0.57).Because there was not enough data among the analyzed RCTs,postoperative pain was not calculated.CONCLUSION: The benefit of SILA is cosmetic satisfaction,while the disadvantages of SILA are longer operative time and higher conversion rate.

Laparoscopic versus open appendectomy: Which way to go?

AIM: To compare the outcome of laparoscopic versus open appendectomy. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from 293 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis were studied. These comprised of 165 patients who underwent conventional appendectomy and 128 patients treated laparoscopically. The two groups were compared with respect to operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative pain, complication rate and cost. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences regarding patient characteristics between the two groups. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 2 patients (1.5%). Laparoscopic appendectomy was associated with a shorter hospital stay (2.2 d vs 3.1 d, P = 0.04), and lower incidence of wound infection (5.3% vs 12.8%, P = 0.03). However, in patients with complicated disease, intra-abdominal abscess formation was more common after laparoscopic appendectomy (5.3% vs 2.1%, P = 0.002). The operative time and analgesia requirements were similar in the two groups. The cost of treatment was higher by 370 € in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy is as safe and effi cient as open appendectomy, provided surgical experience and equipment are available.

Fulminant Clostridium difficile infection: An association with prior appendectomy?

AIM: To examine if fulminant Clostridium difficile infections(CDI) resulting in colectomy was associated with a prior appendectomy and whether any association affected the severity of the disease.METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent colectomy for CDI between 2001 and 2011.The appendectomy rate was calculated based on the absence of an appendix on the surgical pathology report.This was compared to an established lifetime risk of appendectomy in the general population.A chart review was performed for mortality and traditional markers of CDI disease severity.Fisher’s exact test was used to calculate the likelihood of association between prior appendectomy,mortality,and clinical markers of severity of infection.RESULTS: Fifty-five specimens were identified with pseudomembranous colitis consistent with CDI.All patients had a clinical history consistent with CDI and 45 of 55(81.8%) specimens also had microbiological confirmation of CDI.Appendectomy was observed in 24 of 55 specimens(0.436,99%CI: 0.280-0.606).This was compared to the lifetime incidence of appendectomy of 17.6%.The rate of appendectomy in our sample was significantly higher than would be expected in the general population(43.6% vs 17.6%,P 【 0.01).Disease severity did not differ based on presence or absence of an appendix and no association was detected between prior appendectomy and mortality(OR = 0.588,95%CI: 0.174-1.970).CONCLUSION: The rate of appendectomy in the patients whose CDI led to colectomy,was significantly higher than the calculated lifetime risk,suggesting an association of appendectomy and severe CDI resulting in colectomy.Larger prospective studies are needed to assess any potential causal relationships affecting fulminant CDI.

New strategy during complicated open appendectomy: Convert open operation to laparoscopy

AIM: To introduce a new strategy during complicated open appendectomy - converting open operation to laparoscopy.

Appendectomy and Clostridium difficile colitis:Relationships revealed by clinical observations and immunology

Advances in understanding the interaction between the human immune system and the microbiome have led to an improved understanding of the function of the vermiform appendix as a safe-house for beneficial bacteria in the colon.These advances have been made despite long standing clinical observations that the appendectomy is a safe and effective procedure.However,more recent clinical data show that an appendectomy puts patients at increased risk for recurrent Clostridium difficile(C.difficile)-associated colitis,and probably other diseases associated with an altered microbiome.At the same time,appendectomy does not apparently put patients at risk for an initial onset of C.difficile-associated colitis.These clinical observations point toward the idea that the vermiform appendix might not effectively protect the microbiome in the face of broad spectrum antibiotics,the use of which precedes the initial onset of C.difficile-associated colitis.Further,these observations point to the idea that historically important threats to the microbiome such as infectious gastrointestinal pathogens have been supplanted by other threats,particularly the use of broad spectrum antibiotics.

Chewing gum for declining ileus and accelerating gastrointestinal recovery after appendectomy

Objective: Ileus usually occurs after abdominal surgery and is allied with complication and delays recovery. It is hypothesized that chewing gum reduces postoperative ileus by improving early recovery of gastrointestinal function. This study aimed to explore whether chewing gum after appendectomy accelerates the recovery of gastrointestinal function.Methods: Randomized control trial was used in this study. This study was conducted in the General Surgery Department at Zagazig University Hospital. A total of 240 patients undergoing appendectomy were involved in this study; they were divided into the chewing sugar-free gum group(120) and the control group(120). Two tools were utilized in this study. Tool I: Structured Interviewing Schedule: part 1: assessment of personnel characteristics. Part 2: assessment of anthropometric measurements of the studied subjects as well as pre-and intraoperative indicators of them. Tool II: postoperative assessment sheet: assessed postoperative parameters of the intestinal function, occurrence of postoperative ileus, and related symptoms were assessed among studied participants.Results: There were highly significant statistical differences in the time of resumption of gastrointestinal functions and postoperative ileus symptoms between the two groups(P<0.001), which was significantly shorter in the chewing gum group compared to the control group.Conclusions: The use of chewing gum is a useful and cheap method that can be employed to cut down the time to recover and accelerate normalization of gastrointestinal function. Chewing sugar-free gum after abdominal surgery is recommended to be added to the protocol of nursing care in the surgery units as well as its involvement in the nursing curriculum.

Successful management of adult lymphoma-associated intussusception by laparoscopic reduction and appendectomy

Although primary gastrointestinal lymphoma is a rare malignancy, it can cause an intussusception in adults and can be a clinically challenging condition to manage. Intussusception could progress to lifethreatening complications if left untreated or could delay chemotherapy if inappropriate surgical management is used. We report a 31-year-old man diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus who was being treated with antiretroviral therapy. He presented with nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and intermittent, cramping abdominal pain for over 1 wk. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a well-defined homogeneous mass in the mesenteric root region, together with a long segmental wall thickening in the ileum with ileocolic-type intussusception, which was suspected to be caused by a lymphoma. The intussusception was successfully laparoscopically reduced, and the tumor involvement of the appendix was confirmedby appendectomy with intraoperative frozen section. Systemic chemotherapy was immediately initiated after surgery without the need for bowel resection.

Suture granuloma of the abdominal wall with intra-abdominal extension 12 years after open appendectomy

Most complications after appendectomy occur within ten days; however, we report the unusual case of a suture granuloma 12 years after open appendectomy. The afebrile 75-year-old woman presented with a slightly painful palpable mass in the right lower abdomen. There was no nausea or vomiting and bowel movements were normal. She lost 10 kg during the 3 mo before presentation. The patient had undergone an appendectomy 12 years previously. Physical examination revealed a tender mass, 10 cm in diameter, under the appendectomy scar. The preoperative laboratory findings, tumor markers and plain abdominal radiographs were normal. Multi-slice computed tomography scanning showed an inhomo-genous abdominal mass with minimal vascularization in the right lower abdomen 8.6cm×8cm×9 cm in size which communicated with the abdominal wall. The abdominal wall was thickened, weak and bulging. The abdominal wall mass did not communicate with the cecum or the ascending colon. Complete excision of the abdominal wall mass was performed via median laparotomy. Histopathological examination revealed a granuloma with a central abscess. This case report demonstrates that a preoperative diagnosis of abdominal wall mass after open appendectomy warrants the use of a wide spectrum of diagnostic modalities and consequently different treatment options.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from abdominal wall endometriosis in the appendectomy scar: A case report

We report a very rare case of endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from abdominal wall endometriosis in the appendectomy scar. A 47-year-old woman visited the surgical department, since she had a gradually growing and painful tumor both in an appendectomy scar and at an umbilical site. She underwent appendectomy at age 18 years, and noticed the tumor at age 22 years. Partial tumor resection was performed in that department, and the pathology revealed endometrioid adenocarcinoma. She was referred to our department for radical therapy. Tumors in the both sites were dissected together with some swelling lymph nodes in our department. A pathological diagnosis of the tumor in the umbilical site showed only benign endometriosis. In contrast, the tumor in the appendectomy scar showed benign endometriosis, atypical endometriosis and well differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Resected lymph nodes also contained endometrioid adenocarcinoma, and were diagnosed as metastases. It was concluded that the endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the tumor of the appendectomy scar was a malignant transformation arising from abdominal wall endometriosis from the pathological findings. Since the operation, adjuvant and maintenance chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin had been administered for 3 years. She is free of disease 3.5 years after the operation.

Transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy in children: Clinical and surgical outcomes

The aim of this paper is to present and describe tran-sumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy in chil-dren, focusing on its technical aspects and clinical andsurgical outcomes. The surgical charts of all patientsaged between 0 and 14 years treated with transumbili-cal laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy admitted tothe authors' institution from January 2009 to Septem-ber 2013 with a diagnosis of suspected appendicitis fol-lowing clinical, laboratory and ultrasound findings werereviewed. Operating time, intraoperative findings, needfor conversion or for additional trocars, and surgicacomplications were reported. During the study period,120 patients aged between 6 and 14 years(mean age:9.9 years), 73 females(61%) and 47 males(39%),were treated with transumbilical laparoscopic-assistedappendectomy. There were 37 cases of hyperemicappendicitis(subserosal and retrocecal), 74 cases ofphlegmonous appendicitis and 9 cases of perforatedgangrenous appendicitis. It was not possible to estab-lish a correlation between grade of appendicitis andmean operating time(P > 0.05). Eleven cases(9%)needed the use of one additional trocar, while 8 pa-tients(6%) required conversion to the standard laparo-scopic technique with the use of two additional trocars. No patient was converted to the open technique. Tran-sumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy is a safe technique in children and it could be used by surgeons who want to approach other minimally invasive tech-niques.