Intracorporeal knotting versus metal endoclip application for the closure of the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy in uncomplicated appendicitis.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to compare the efficacy of two methods--intracorporeal knotting and metal endoclip application--for closure of the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy in a specific group of patients with uncomplicated appendicitis. METHODS: The patients were randomized into two groups who had their appendiceal stump secured by intracorporeal knotting (Group 1) and metal endoclipping (Group 2). Primary outcome measure was postoperative complications, whereas secondary outcome measures were intraoperative complications, operative time, length of hospital stay, and re-admissions (including rehospitalizations and reoperations). RESULTS: One hundred seven patients were prospectively recruited in a randomized study between December 2010 and May 2011. Group 1 and Group 2 included 46 and 61 patients, respectively. The rate of postoperative complications in Group 1 and Group 2 was 8.7% (4/46) and 4.9% (3/61) (P>.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in secondary outcome measures except the mean operative time (61.9 minutes versus 46.3 minutes, P=.0008). CONCLUSIONS: The closure of the appendiceal stump by either intracorporeal knotting or metal endoclipping during laparoscopic appendectomy in uncomplicated appendicitis is safe with comparable morbidity and mortality rates.