The experience of transumbilical endoscopic appendectomies

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly adopted across surgical disciplines.
• Standardization of appendectomy techniques remains an ongoing challenge.
• Transumbilical endoscopic appendectomy presents a novel approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the initial clinical experiences with transumbilical endoscopic appendectomy.
• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of this minimally invasive appendectomy technique.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with appendicitis underwent transumbilical endoscopic appendectomy between July 2008 and September 2010.
• A single umbilical 15-mm port and a two-channel endoscope were utilized.
• Appendix visualization and dissection were achieved using specialized endoscopic instruments and abdominal wall counter-traction.

Main Results:

• All ten patients successfully completed the transumbilical endoscopic appendectomy without conversion to open or laparoscopic procedures.
• Operative findings included suppurative, gangrenous, and perforated appendicitis.
• Average operation time was 79.5 minutes, with a hospital stay of 4-6 days. All patients recovered fully without complications.

Conclusions:

• Transumbilical endoscopic appendectomy is a feasible and safe minimally invasive surgical option for appendicitis.
• The technique's maneuverability supports its potential as a transitional step toward natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.