Abstract:

In view of the fact that appendectomy is the most common operation for an acute abdomen, laparoscopic appendectomy has evolved as the most frequently performed procedure. Hospitals, therefore, require at all times the expertise, technique, and staff to ensure a high quality of standard for appendectomies, which not only supports the requirements of the high caseload but also takes into consideration the socio-economical aspects. A critical step is the closure of the appendicular stump. The three most widely employed techniques are an endo-stapler, an endo-loop, or a clip. Although the endo-stapler is fairly expensive, it combines closing and transecting the appendix in one step, offers the possibility of a partial caecal resection, and can be used if the appendicular base is inflamed. Endo-loop and clip are equally cost-effective, but the clip appears to be simpler in handling than the endo-loop and, like the stapler, offers closing and cutting the appendix before dissecting the mesoappendix. However, only appendices up to 16 mm in diameter can be clipped, a disadvantage not shared with the loop.

Authors:

Lars Ivo Partecke, MD, Board Certified Surgeon, Wolfram Kessler, MD, Board Certified Surgeon, Maciej Patrzyk, MD, Medical Sub-Director, Claus-Dieter Heidecke, MD, PhD, Professor, Chairman, and Head of the Department, Wolfram v. Bernstorff MD, PhD, Attending Surgeon, Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery, University Medicine, Greifswald, Germany

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