Simple ligation versus stump invagination during appendicectomy: a prospective trial

A prospective, randomized trial on 416 consecutive cases of appendicectomies was carried out in which half of the cases had simple ligation of the stump and the rest had invagination of the stump in addition. The two groups were matched for age, sex, state of personal hygiene and nutrition. The incidence of wound infection, and early and late post-operative complications remained comparable between the two groups. However, the mean operating time was significantly less in case of simple ligation. Barium enema in suspected cases of caecal neoplasm in post-operative cases did not reveal any ceacal deformity in the group of simple ligation thus avoiding confusion of mistaking deformed caecum due to the invaginated stumps as neoplasm. Simple ligation of the appendiceal stump is therefore advocated during appendicectomy