Gynecologically indicated single-endoloop laparoscopic appendectomy

A prospective, observational study was performed to define the laparoscopic appearance of chronic or recurrent appendicitis, and to evaluate a new, simplified technique for laparoscopic appendectomy. Chronic appendicitis was assumed in 42 women with long-term or recurrent lower abdominal pain, and appendectomy was performed when two or all three of the following pathologic changes, which were highly predictive of the diagnosis, were present: vascular injection of appendiceal peritoneum, periappendiceal adhesions, and induration of the appendix. After thorough periappendiceal adhesiolysis, a catgut no. 2 endoloop was placed around the base of the appendix and mesoappendix. The appendix was skeletonized, crushed distal to the ligature, regrasped further distally while simultaneously closing the appendiceal lumen, and cut in the crushed area. It was removed retrograde through the left suprapubic 10-mm port. Iodine was applied to the stump. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. During mean observation of 12.6 months, 74% of women were free of abdominal pain, 12% had partial relief in a mean of 15.4 months' observation, and 12% experienced no change in abdominal pain. This technique is safe, simple, and effective when chronic or recurrent appendicitis is assumed during diagnostic laparoscopy for chronic lower abdominal pain.