Use of a Bipolar Device (LigaSure) to Seal the Appendiceal Stump in Pediatric Laparoscopic Appendectomy: 10-year Latin-American Experience.

BACKGROUND: Closure of the appendiceal stump is a critical step during an appendectomy. There is a lack of knowledge about the feasibility of using electrosurgical devices for the occlusion of the appendix. This study aims to determine the safety of this technique in pediatric patients. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analytical study in patients less than 18 years of age treated at Hospital Militar Central Colombia between 2012 and 2021. Our institution's ethics committee approved the study. We analyzed the data using SPSS 22 statistical program. We present frequencies for qualitative variables and measures of central tendency or dispersion for quantitative variables depending on the distribution measured by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. In addition, we measured the association of nominal variables with the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. For numerical variables, the difference of means with the Student's t-test or the difference of medians with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: We treated 209 patients. One hundred sixteen (55.5%) were boys, and the mean age was 9.7 years (SD 3.2). The median intraoperative time was 60 min, and the hospital stay was 2.8 days on average. There were no cases of stump leakage, and only two patients (1%) had an organ-space surgical site infection, which was unrelated to the closure technique. We found no association between procedural complications and appendicular status (p = 0.450). CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggests that using a bipolar sealing device (Ligasure, Medtronic, USA) for appendiceal stump closure in pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy is feasible and should be further studied. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Complicated acute appendicitis with compromised appendiceal base: A review of surgical strategies.

<b><br>Introduction:</b> Acute appendicitis is one of the most frequent emergencies in hospitals around the world; it requires early surgical treatment in complicated cases. One of the challenges that the surgeon faces during appendectomy is when the base of the appendix is compromised by either a perforation or gangrene. To show the surgical strategies that have been reported, as well as the complications associated with a compromised appendicular base in a complicated acute appendicitis.</br> <b><br>Methods:</b> A bibliographic search was carried out in the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search expression ("appendiceal stump closure" OR "Closure of the appendiceal stump" OR "Management of appendiceal stump") was used to search for articles. The inclusion criteria were observational studies (case reports, case series, or cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies).</br> <b><br>Discussion:</b> Different techniques have been reported for the treatment of a compromised appendicular base. Among the most used are primary closure, partial resection of the cecum, cecostomy tube, ileocecectomy, and right hemicolectomy. The most frequent complications are surgical site infection, intra-abdominal abscess, postoperative ileus, intestinal obstruction, and others.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> The appendicular base, compromised by necrosis or perforation, requires adequate treatment in order to prevent dehiscence of the appendicular stump sutures and fecal peritonitis. A number of surgical options have been reported.</br>.

Cotite Apendicular - Relato de Caso / Stump appendicitis - Case Report

Cotite apendicular é uma rara complicação pós-apendicectomia, que se caracteriza por ser uma inflamação do coto apendicular remanescente devido à obstrução do seu lúmen, geralmente por um fecalito. Isso aumenta a pressão intraluminal, prejudica a drenagem venosa e facilita subsequente infecção bacteriana. Em virtude da baixa incidência desta patologia, seu diagnóstico costuma ser tardio, podendo gerar consequências deletérias ao paciente. Os achados clínicos e radiológicos são semelhantes aos da apencidite aguda, e o tratamento é a reintervenção cirúrgica e complementação da apendicectomia, excisando o coto remanescente.

Stump appendicitis is a rare post-appendectomy complication characterized as an inflammation of the remaining appendicular stump due to obstruction of its lumen, usually by a fecalith. Which increases intraluminal pressure, impairs venous drainage, and facilitates subsequent bacterial infection. Due to the low incidence of this pathology, its diagnosis is usually late, and it can have deleterious consequences for the patient. The clinical and radiological findings are similar to those of acute appendicitis, and the treatment is surgical reintervention and complementary appendectomy, excising the remaining stump.

Zaragoza technique of laparoscopic appendicectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Appendectomy is one of the most frequent emergency surgical procedures, currently with a preference for laparoscopic management worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To report a new laparoscopic appendectomy technique and its results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of appendicitis who are managed laparoscopically. In a total 1063 patients, 148 were operated on with the Zaragoza technique during the period from January 2002 to December 2018. The technique consists of making a window in the appendicular base between the meso and the appendicular wall, two prolene or silk sutures are placed, and the cecal appendix is cut between the two sutures, finally the mesoappendix is sectioned with a harmonic scalpel or bipolar clamp. RESULTS: From our results, we had 1.4% residual abscesses, 1.4% umbilical surgical wound infection and 0% mortality. DISCUSSION: Various laparoscopic management methods for appendectomy are reported in the literature, with a wide range in the results. We have obtained good results in patients subjected to our technique. CONCLUSIONS: The Zaragoza technique for laparoscopic appendectomy is an effective and safe option that prevents excessive manipulation of the inflamed appendix and is easily reproducible.

History of appendectomy? An atypical case of recurrent abdominal pain.

Acute appendicitis is a common condition emergency physician encounter during pediatric emergency visits. With a reported incidence of 1 in 50,000 appendectomies, stump appendicitis, an acute inflammation of the residual appendicular tissue, is a rare post-operative complication. The diagnosis of stump appendicitis is time-critical to prevent associated morbidities of abscess formation, perforation and sepsis. Another atypical presentation of appendicitis includes recurrent appendicitis, which is recognized as one or more previous episodes of similar clinical presentation as acute appendicitis, but symptoms subside within 24 to 48 hours. Intervals between attacks may vary from weeks to years during which the patient may be asymptomatic. Although recurrent appendicitis is rare, emergency physicians should be aware of this possibility and to not assume that previous appendectomy precludes recurrent appendicitis. This case highlights the importance of considering such unusual condition in a patient presenting with recurrent right-sided abdominal pain.

Apendicitis del muñón: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Stump appendicitis: case report and literature review

La apendicitis del muñón es una rara entidad, de la cual se desconoce su incidencia, con alrededor de 100 casos reportados en la literatura médica. Requiere un alto grado de sospecha clínica para su correcta identificación. El tratamiento recomendado es quirúrgico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 26 años, con antecedente de apendicectomía hace 17 años, con cuadro de dolor abdominal en fosa iliaca derecha y signos apendiculares positivos en el examen físico. La Tomografía Axial Computarizada demostró una colección con gas y fecalitos en su interior, localizada en fosa iliaca derecha, planteándose un diagnóstico de apendicitis del muñón. Se realizó una laparotomía exploratoria, evidenciándose un muñón apendicular perforado en su tercio proximal, por lo que se completó la apendicectomía del muñón. El informe histopatológico reportó un muñón apendicular con infiltrado mono y polimorfo nuclear, que compromete el espesor de la pared. El paciente fue dado de alta con evolución dentro de parámetros esperados y fue remitido a control y seguimiento por Consulta Externa.

Stump appendicitis is a rare entity, of which its incidence is unknown, with about 100 cases reported in the medical literature, which requires a high degree of clinical suspicion for proper identification. The recommended treatment is surgical. The case of a 26-year-old patient with an appendectomy antecedent 17 years ago, with abdominal pain in right lower quadrant and positive appendicular signs on the physical exam is presented. Computerized Axial Tomography demonstrated a collection of gas and fecalites inside, located in right lower quadrant, considering a diagnosis of stump appendicitis. An exploratory laparotomy was performed, with an appendicular stump perforated in its proximal third, and the stump appendectomy was completed. The histopathological report reported an appendicular stump with mono and polymorph nuclear infiltrate, which compromises the thickness of the wall. The patient is discharged with evolution within expected parameters and is referred to control and follow-up by External Consultation.

Apendicitis aguda recurrente en pacientes apendicectomizados / Relapsed appendicitis in appendectomized patients

RESUMEN Introducción: La apendicitis aguda es la causa más común de abdomen agudo, que precisa de tratamiento quirúrgico mediante apendicectomía abierta o laparoscópica. La apendicitis del muñón o recurrente, en la que ocurre la inflamación del remanente apendicular, es una complicación tardía infrecuente de la apendicectomía. Objetivo: Identificar las posibles causas de la apendicitis recurrente, así como las medidas relacionadas con su prevención. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura actualizada sobre el tema en formato digital, en publicaciones en idioma inglés y español. Conclusiones: La prevención de la apendicitis del muñón se basa en resecar el apéndice a menos de 0,5 cm de su base; los pacientes, con frecuencia, presentan síntomas análogos a los de antes de la primera cirugía, sin embargo, existe un incremento del riesgo de peritonitis y de graves complicaciones debido al retraso diagnóstico y terapéutico; es una causa poco frecuente de dolor abdominal en pacientes apendicectomizados, por lo que se debe guardar una alta sospecha para su diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdomen, which requires surgical treatment by open or laparoscopic appendectomy. Recurrent appendicitis of the stump, in which inflammation of the appendicular remnant occurs, is an infrequent late complication of appendectomy. Objective: To identify the possible causes of recurrent appendicitis, as well as the measures related to its prevention. Methods: A review of the updated literature on the subject was carried out in digital format, in publications in English and Spanish. Conclusions: Prevention of appendicitis of the stump is based on resecting the appendix less than 0.5 cm from its base; Patients frequently present symptoms similar to those before the first surgery, however, there is an increased risk of peritonitis and serious complications due to delayed diagnosis and therapy; It is a rare cause of abdominal pain in appendectomized patients, so high suspicion should be kept for its early diagnosis and prompt treatment(AU)

A comparison of non-absorbable polymeric clips and staplers for laparoscopic appendiceal stump closure: analysis of 618 adult patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this long-term study was the comparison of appendiceal stump closure with polymeric clips or staplers with respect to perioperative costs and surgical outcome under routine conditions in a university centre. METHODS: For this retrospective chart review, a total of 618 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed: 410 patients in the stapler group and 208 patients in the clip group. The database contained demographic data, operation time, inflammation parameters, closure method of the stump, surgeon status, length of hospital stay, and complications as well as histology reports. The costs were also compared. RESULTS: Clip application was more likely among younger patients (mean age 33.6 years vs. 41.7 years). Histopathological evidence for appendiceal pathology was found in 96.6% of patients in the clip group and 99.5% of patients in the stapler group. Laparoscopic appendectomy in the clip group was more frequently performed by resident physicians (69.2%) than in the stapler group (57.8%). The mean postoperative stay was 2.9 days in the clip group and 3.7 days in the stapler group. The use of the polymeric clip resulted in considerable cost savings (19.94€ vs. 348.70€). CONCLUSIONS: The use of polymeric clips for appendiceal stump closure during appendectomy is safe and effective. The base of the appendix is amenable to clipping in 32% of appendectomies in adult patients. This study supports the use of polymeric clips over staplers to decrease cost and environmental impact.

Are endoscopic loop ties safe even in complicated acute appendicitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Appendectomy is amongst the most common general surgical procedures and the laparoscopic approach is recognized and recommended by international guidelines as a valid option. The different closure techniques of the appendicular stump constitute a matter of debate since their possible implication in determining postoperative infectious complications. The aim of the present meta-analysis is to compare endostapler versus endoscopic loop ties for stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: This is a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials and cohort studies comparing endostapler with endoscopic loop ties for the closure of appendicular sump in laparoscopy appendectomy. Subgroup analysis of pediatric patients and patients with complicated appendicitis were performed when data were available. Complicated acute appendicitis was defined as in case of gangrenous/necrotic appendix or perforated appendix. Main outcomes were wound infection rate, intra-abdominal infection rate, length of stay, readmission and reoperation rates. RESULTS: a total of 5934 patients from 14 studies were included in the analysis. Endostapler was associated with a similar intra-abdominal abscess rate (RR 0.88, 95%C.I. 0.54-1.43) but a lower incidence of wound infection (RR 0.54, 95%C.I. 0.22-0.97) Length of stay, readmission and reoperation rates were similar. In subgroups analysis endostapler reduces significantly the wound infection rate in pediatric patients; no differences in main outcomes were observed in patients with complicated acute appendicitis. CONCLUSION: In complicated acute appendicitis the stump closure technique did not affect outcomes; the use of endostapler seems to be associated to a reduction of wound infection rate in pediatric patients with non-complicated acute appendicitis.

[Comparación entre ligadura con lazo hemostático y engrapadora mecánica lineal para el cierre de base apendicular]. / Comparison between endoloop and linear mechanical stapler for the appendicular stump closure.

INTRODUCCIÓN: En las últimas décadas es creciente el abordaje por mínima invasión de patologías abdominales debido a sus beneficios evidentes. El cuadro apendicular es la principal emergencia quirúrgica, con diferentes métodos del cierre de la base apendicular. En este artículo comparamos dicho cierre con engrapadora lineal o ligadura con lazo hemostático, para analizar la frecuencia de complicaciones como absceso, dehiscencia y seroma. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, observacional y descriptivo, con un total de 703 procedimientos, empleando en 567 pacientes ligadura con lazo hemostático y en 136 engrapadora lineal, operados por los mismos cirujano y equipo quirúrgico, con curva de aprendizaje concluida. RESULTADOS: Las complicaciones referidas en el presente estudio son absceso (n = 5), dehiscencia (n = 3) y seroma (n = 3). De acuerdo con las fases de la patología apendicular: fase 1 o apéndice congestivo, no presentaron complicaciones; fase 2 o supurativo, se reportó un caso de dehiscencia de herida quirúrgica con el uso de ligadura con lazo hemostático; fase 3 o necrótico, se reportó un caso de seroma en un paciente tratado con ligadura con lazo hemostático; y fase 4 o perforado, se encuentra diferencia significativa en el caso de abscesos, reportando cinco con el uso de ligadura con lazo hemostático y ninguno con engrapadora lineal. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro estudio no existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el uso de engrapadora lineal o ligadura con lazo hemostático en las fases apendiculares 1-3; en la fase 4 es de utilidad significativa el uso de engrapadora lineal ante la incidencia de abscesos. INTRODUCTION: In the last decades, the approach by minimally invasive surgery of abdominal pathologies is growing due to its evident benefits; the appendicular cases being the main surgical emergency, with different methods of closing the appendicular base. In this article, we compared the appendicular base closure with linear stapler and endoloop, to analyze the frequency of complications such as abscess, dehiscence and seroma. METHOD: A prospective, observational and descriptive study was conducted, with a total of 703 procedures, using 567 endoloop patients and 136 linear stapler, operated by the same surgeon and surgical team, with a completed learning curve. RESULTS: The complications referred in the present study were patients with abscess (n = 5), dehiscence (n = 3) and seroma (n = 3). According to the phases of the appendiceal pathology: phase 1 or congestive appendix did not present complications; phase 2 or suppurative was reported one case of surgical wound dehiscence in the use of endoloop; in phase 3 or necrotic, one case of seroma was reported in a patient treated with endoloop; while in phase 4 or perforated there is a significant difference in the case of abscesses, reporting five in the use of endoloop and none in the case of a linear stapler. CONCLUSIONS: In our study there is no statistically significant difference between the use of linear stapler or endoloop in the early appendicular phases; being of significant utility in Phase 4 the use of linear stapler for the incidence of abscesses.

A Comparison of Endoloop Ligatures and Nonabsorbable Polymeric Clips for the Closure of the Appendicular Stump During Laparoscopic Appendectomy in Children.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective trial was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of nonabsorbable polymeric clips in laparoscopic appendix stump closure in children by comparing the endoloop ligature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2011 to June 2016, 277 children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the technique used for appendiceal stump closure: there were 101 patients in the polymeric clips group and 176 in the endoloop group. The risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications was investigated for two different techniques to close the appendiceal stump. RESULTS: Among the 277 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, no intraoperative complications and 17 (6.1%) postoperative complications were recorded. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the postoperative complications (P = .546). The median length of the operation was 10 minutes shorter when the polymeric clips were used (P < .001). The median hospital stay was also shorter in the polymeric clips group (P = .008). Costs of polymeric clip were significantly lower (€ 17.64) compared to endoloop (€ 34.16). CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the appendix stump with polymeric nonabsorbable clips in laparoscopic appendectomy reduces operative time and may be a cost-effective and simpler alternative to widely used endoloops.

Laparoscopic appendectomy: Hem-o-lok versus Endoloop in stump closure.

There are several techniques described to close the appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and usefulness of the Hem-o-lok clip for the closure of appendicular stump, comparing these data with those concerning the endo-loop. We conducted a retrospective study that compared two groups of patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy from 2010 to 2015 at our institution. We used the Endoloop to close the stump in the first group (group I) and the Hem-o-lok in the second group (group II). We reviewed patient's data including: complications, operative time, length of stay, costs. There were 121 patients in group I and 138 patients in group II. The mean operative times were 40.5 min in group I and 36.4 min in the group II. No intraoperative complications and no mortality were observed in either group. The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was similar for both groups. There was no rehospitalization after discharge. The complication rate did not reach statistical significance between the groups. The cost of the procedure using the Hem-o-lok has been lower than using the Endoloop. Both the Endoloop and Hem-o-lok are safe for the closure of the appendicular stump. Hem-o-lok appears to be superior than Endoloop in terms of easeness of use and cheapness, maintaining the same safety.

The usefulness and safety of Hem-o-lok clips for the closure of appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and usefulness of the Hem-o-lok clip for the closure of appendicular stumps and limitations of the Hem-o-lok clip. METHODS: From May 2010 to August 2011, 105 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomies by three surgeons. XL size Hem-o-lok clips were used for the closure of appendicular stumps by one surgeon. The remaining surgeons used double endoloop ligatures. Prospectively collected data from patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 105 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed. The endoloop group consisted of 66 patients (mean age, 34.6 years; range, 16 to 82 years), while the Hem-o-lok group consisted of 39 patients (mean age, 43.5 years; range, 11 to 88 years). In three cases, the Hem-o-lok clip was not used due to enlargement and severe inflammation of the appendix base. No specific intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: The use of Hem-o-lok clips for the closure of appendicular stumps in laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible, safe, fast and cost-effective procedure in patients with a mildly to moderately inflamed appendix base of less than 10 mm in diameter.

The usefulness and safety of Hem-o-lok clips for the closure of appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and usefulness of the Hem-o-lok clip for the closure of appendicular stumps and limitations of the Hem-o-lok clip. METHODS: From May 2010 to August 2011, 105 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomies by three surgeons. XL size Hem-o-lok clips were used for the closure of appendicular stumps by one surgeon. The remaining surgeons used double endoloop ligatures. Prospectively collected data from patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 105 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed. The endoloop group consisted of 66 patients (mean age, 34.6 years; range, 16 to 82 years), while the Hem-o-lok group consisted of 39 patients (mean age, 43.5 years; range, 11 to 88 years). In three cases, the Hem-o-lok clip was not used due to enlargement and severe inflammation of the appendix base. No specific intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in either group. CONCLUSION: The use of Hem-o-lok clips for the closure of appendicular stumps in laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible, safe, fast and cost-effective procedure in patients with a mildly to moderately inflamed appendix base of less than 10 mm in diameter.

Apendicitis del muñón apendicular / Appendicitis of the appendicular stump

La apendicitis del muñón es una entidad rara, caracterizada por un proceso inflamatorio del remanente apendicular luego de una apendicectomía incompleta. Los signos y síntomas no difieren de una apendicitis aguda. Al no ser una patología usualmente pensada como posible diagnóstico diferencial del abdomen agudo inflamatorio, tiene mayor riesgo de complicaciones y morbi-mortalidad. Los métodos seccionales de diagnósticos por imágenes resultan muy beneficiosos para definir el diagnóstico. La ultrasonografía (US) y tomografía computada (TC) demuestran signos similares a los observados en cuadros habituales de inflamación aguda del apéndice cecal. Se presentan dos casos de apendicitis del muñón, uno de ellos recibió tratamiento quirúrgico y el otro tratamiento médico.(AU)

Stump appendicitis is a rare entity characterized by inflammation of the appendiceal remanent after incomplete appendectomy. Signs and symptoms do not differ from acute appendicitis. As it is not a condition usually considered as a potential differential diagnosis of acute inflammatory abdomen, it has higher risks of complications and morbidity and mortality. Imaging methods are highly useful to define the diagnosis. Ultrasound (US) and Computed Tomography (CT) show signs similar to those found in standard cases of acute appendicitis. Two cases of stump appendicitis are reponed: one managed with surgical treatment and the other with medical treatment.(AU)

Apendicitis del muñón apendicular / Appendicitis of the appendicular stump

La apendicitis del muñón es una entidad rara, caracterizada por un proceso inflamatorio del remanente apendicular luego de una apendicectomía incompleta. Los signos y síntomas no difieren de una apendicitis aguda. Al no ser una patología usualmente pensada como posible diagnóstico diferencial del abdomen agudo inflamatorio, tiene mayor riesgo de complicaciones y morbi-mortalidad. Los métodos seccionales de diagnósticos por imágenes resultan muy beneficiosos para definir el diagnóstico. La ultrasonografía (US) y tomografía computada (TC) demuestran signos similares a los observados en cuadros habituales de inflamación aguda del apéndice cecal. Se presentan dos casos de apendicitis del muñón, uno de ellos recibió tratamiento quirúrgico y el otro tratamiento médico.(AU)

Stump appendicitis is a rare entity characterized by inflammation of the appendiceal remanent after incomplete appendectomy. Signs and symptoms do not differ from acute appendicitis. As it is not a condition usually considered as a potential differential diagnosis of acute inflammatory abdomen, it has higher risks of complications and morbidity and mortality. Imaging methods are highly useful to define the diagnosis. Ultrasound (US) and Computed Tomography (CT) show signs similar to those found in standard cases of acute appendicitis. Two cases of stump appendicitis are reponed: one managed with surgical treatment and the other with medical treatment.(AU)