Role of the transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted single-channel, single-port procedure in an interval appendectomy for pediatric mass-forming appendicitis: a preliminary retrospective analysis.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: A transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted single-channel, single-port procedure was introduced during laparoscopic interval appendectomy for mass-forming appendicitis in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the original laparoscopic interval appendectomy. METHODS: This study analyzed 31 children who underwent laparoscopic interval appendectomy using a single-channel, single-port procedure. The appendectomy was usually planned 8-12 weeks following initial conservative treatment. The procedure was a single-channel surgery using a 12-mm single port. Both a 5-mm telescope and grasper were inserted simultaneously into the single channel. The grasper held the appendix, and an extracorporeal appendectomy was performed. RESULTS: Appendectomy was planned for 29 patients, as 2 patients deviated from the protocol. The procedure was successful in 21 patients (72.4%). An accessory port was necessary in eight patients, two of whom successfully underwent laparoscopic surgery; the remaining six were converted to open appendectomy. The average length of surgery was 43 min in the single-channel, single-port procedure. No postoperative complications occurred in any patient. CONCLUSION: The single-channel, single-port procedure was successfully performed in over 70% of the patients. This preliminary retrospective analysis indicates that the procedure is safe and potentially beneficial in children with mass-forming appendicitis who require laparoscopic interval appendectomy.