[Temperature range in bipolar high frequency coagulation of the appendiceal stump]

Since laparoscopic appendectomy is performed more frequently disturbances of cecal motility have been found postoperatively in many cases. The etiology of this "syndrome of the fifth day" has not been cleared yet. To assess whether high-frequency bipolar electrocautery could be one of the etiologic factors, measurements of temperature were performed in lamb bowel, cadaver appendices and in vivo during laparoscopic appendicectomy. Next to the appendix stump ligation at the cecum wall the mean maximal temperature was as high as 53.2 degrees C. We believe that high frequency electrocoagulation is one of the etiologic factors of disturbances of the cecal motility especially if safety distances are not followed.