Appendix retrieval after laparoscopic appendectomy: a safe and inexpensive technique

We describe a useful technique for retrieving the dissected appendix in a bag after laparoscopic resection. This permits laparoscopic appendectomy to be completed with a single 10-mm and two 5-mm (or 3-mm) ports and using only a 10-mm telescope. It obviates the need to change the standard 10-mm telescope to 5-mm scope or the extension of a smaller port incision to extract the specimen. The appendix was removed successfully and without complications using this technique in 89 consecutive laparoscopic appendectomies. The technique is safe, inexpensive, and uses readily available equipment.