Appendix extraction after laparoscopic appendectomy in children: An easy, safe, and inexpensive technique

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Laparoscopic appendectomy is increasingly common in children.
• Protecting the retrieval site during appendectomy is crucial to prevent contamination.
• Existing methods for retrieval site protection have limitations, including cost and wound complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a safe, inexpensive, and simple technique for appendix removal during pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using a glove finger for appendix retrieval.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 291 pediatric laparoscopic appendectomies performed between 2004 and 2015.
• Appendix retrieval using the cut end of a surgical glove's finger.

Main Results:

• The technique was successfully used in all 291 cases (ages 2-16).
• No intraoperative complications were associated with the glove finger technique.
• A very low rate of wound complications (0.34%) was observed.

Conclusions:

• The glove finger technique is an effective method for safe appendix retrieval in pediatric laparoscopic appendectomy.
• This technique helps avoid wide surgical incisions and abdominal wall contamination.
• It offers a safe, cheap, and easy solution for a common challenge in pediatric surgery.