Single-incision videolaparoscopic appendectomy with conventional videolaparoscopy equipment

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Surgical innovation
• Gastrointestinal surgery

Background:

• Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency.
• Laparoscopic appendectomy is standard, but minimally invasive techniques are evolving.
• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) aims to reduce trauma and improve cosmesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) appendectomy technique.
• To demonstrate the use of conventional laparoscopic instruments for SILS appendectomy.

Main Methods:

• Eleven patients with acute appendicitis underwent SILS appendectomy.
• Procedures used conventional laparoscopic instruments and titanium clips for ligation.
• Inclusion criteria: no diffuse peritonitis, BMI < 35, no sepsis or severe comorbidities.

Main Results:

• All eleven patients (7 male, 4 female; average age 25.7 years) improved without complications.
• Mean procedure time was 37.2 minutes.
• No conversions to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery were required.

Conclusions:

• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery appendectomy is a feasible technique.
• Conventional laparoscopic instruments can be successfully utilized for SILS appendectomy.
• SILS appendectomy shows promise for treating acute appendicitis.