Mesoappendix and appendix stump treatment in laparoscopic appendectomy: a retrospective study in 1084 patients

Laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA) rapresents a standard but questionable approach in the treatment of acute appendicitis. The scope of this study is to show our experience using different methods in the mesoappendix and appendix stump treatment.

A retrospective analysis of all patient with acute appendicitis that underwent to LA was obtained. The results have been analysed compareing the single techniques used in the treatment of mesoappendix and appendix stump.

The study included 1084 patients (M=648; F=436; mean age 28,4 years). During laparoscopic procedure we have founded in 296 cases a CAA (27.3%). The rate of conversion to open has resulted 3,2%; the mean operative time was 57,1'; mean postoperative stay was 2,7 days. Eighteen patients have experienced surgical complications. From our data, in the treatment of mesoappendix (Clip =863, bipolar coagulation = 165, stapler = 22) and the appendix stump (endoloop =784; stapler = 265) we found no statistically difference about postoperative stay, and incidence of IAA; the operative time was longer (54,2 vs 66' p<0.05) when the surgeon prefered stapling the appendix stump; but in this group there was a higher incidence of CAA (35.2 % vs 18.7%).

Laparoscopic appendicectomy is safe and effective. We judge that there isn't a better technique than others but various options that should be evaluated taking care about costs, the experience of the surgeon and the degree of inflammation of the appendix.