While the Laparoscopic Appendectomy Is the Gold Standard in the Treatment of Acute Appendicitis, What Should Be the Preference for Closure of the Appendix Stump?

Aim: While laparoscopic appendectomy is the gold standard in the treatment of acute appendicitis, there is no consensus on reliable closure of the appendix stump. The aim of this study was to examine appendiceal stump closure techniques and their reliability during laparoscopic appendectomy. Material and Methods: Between January 2019 and August 2021, 692 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, length of hospital stay, pathology, appendix stump closure methods, operation time, complications, and cost results were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Intracorporeal knotting (ICK) was used in 66.9% (n=463), and endoclip (EC) was used in 33.1% (n=229) of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of length of hospital stay (p=0.054). While the mean operative time was 55.1 +/- 15.6 minutes in the ICK group, it was 45.7 +/- 16.5 minutes in the EC group (p<0.001). The general complication rate was 1.7% (n=12). While the complication rate was 2.2% (n=10) in ICK group, it was 0.9% (n=2) in EC group (p=0.354). While pericecal hematoma and ileus were seen only in the ICK group, the fistula was seen only in the EC group. EC was found to be more costly than ICK (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was concluded that closure of the appendix stump with an EC in patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy is more useful, regardless of the severity of appendicitis, with a shorter operation time and shorter length of hospital stay, low complication rate, and ease of application.