Comparison of extra-corporeal knot-tying suture and metallic endo-clips in laparoscopic appendiceal stump closure in uncomplicated acute appendicitis

Effectiveness of different appendiceal stump closure methods in laparoscopic appendectomy a network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Choosing the best stump closure method for laparoscopic appendectomy has been a debated issue, especially for patients with acute appendicitis. The lack of consensus in the literature and the diverse techniques available have prompted the need for a comprehensive evaluation to guide surgeons in selecting the most optimal appendiceal stump closure method.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on multiple databases from inception until December 2023 to find relevant studies according to eligibility criteria. The primary outcome was the incidence of total complications.

RESULTS

25 studies with a total of 3308 patients were included in this study, overall complications did not reveal a significant advantage for any intervention (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53; 1.01), Superficial and deep infection risks were similar across all methods, Operative time was significantly longer with endoloop and Intracorporeal sutures (MD = 7.07, 95% CI: 3.28; 10.85) (MD = 26.1, 95% CI: 20.9; 31.29).

CONCLUSIONS

There are no significant differences in overall complications among closure methods. However, Intracorporeal sutures and endoloop techniques were associated with extended operative durations.

Evidence-based surgery for laparoscopic appendectomy: A stepwise systematic review

Introduction

Appendectomy is a common emergency surgery performed globally. Despite the frequency of laparoscopic appendectomy, consensus does not exist on the best way to perform each procedural step. We identified literature on key intraoperative steps to inform best technical practice during laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methods

Research questions were framed using the population, indication, comparison, outcome (PICO) format for 6 key operative steps of laparoscopic appendectomy: abdominal entry, placement of laparoscopic ports, division of mesoappendix, division of appendix, removal of appendix, and fascial closure. These questions were used to build literature queries in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases. Evidence quality and certainty was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) definitions.

Results

Recommendations were rendered for 6 PICO questions based on 28 full length articles. Low quality evidence favors direct trocar insertion for abdominal entry and establishment of pneumoperitoneum. Single port appendectomy results in improved cosmesis with unclear clinical implications. There was insufficient data to determine the optimal method of appendiceal stump closure, but use of a specimen extraction bag reduces rates of superficial surgical site infection and intra-abdominal abscess. Port sites made with radially dilating trocars are less likely to necessitate closure and are less likely to result in port site hernia. When port sites are closed, a closure device should be used.

Conclusion

Key operative steps of laparoscopic appendectomy have sufficient data to encourage standardized practice.

Comparison of Handmade Endoloop Versus Polymeric Endoclip for Stump Closure in Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Background Stump closure is an important stage of laparoscopic appendectomy. This study aimed to establish whether the handmade endoloop or polymeric endoclip method was more effective for stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy. Methods The study included 76 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy between October 2017 and January 2019. Patients' demographic characteristics, duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, and any complications were retrospectively recorded from files. Patients were divided into two groups according to stump closure method as polymeric endoclip and handmade endoloop. Results Among the patients, 59.2% (n = 45) were male and 40.8% (n = 31) were female. For stump closure, the polymeric endoclip method was used in 37 patients (48.7%) and the handmade endoloop method in 39 patients (51.3%). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of age and appendix diameter ( p=0.408, p=0.218). A total of four patients (5.3%) developed wound infection, including three from the handmade endoloop group and one from the polymeric endoclip group. One patient (1.3%) in the polymeric endoclip group developed ileus. The two groups were also not significantly different in terms of complications (p = 1.000). Conclusion We conclude that both stump closure methods are safe, and the more easily accessible handmade endoloop method can be performed reliably in all hospitals, including secondary healthcare facilities such as small hospitals.

Johan Forceps As a Knot Pusher for Extracorporeal Roeder Knot: An Inexpensive Alternative to an Endoloop Ligature in Laparoscopic Appendicectomy

Background: Securing of the appendix stump is one of the key steps in performing laparoscopic appendicectomy (LA). This can be achieved by a variety of methods including endoloops, stapler, and clips. An alternative technique, previously described by authors, is the use of Johan forceps as a knot pusher, to deploy an extracorporeal Roeder knot at the base of appendix. We aimed to evaluate the safety and cost-effectiveness of our technique. Patients and Methods: A single surgeon's, prospective cohort, and multicenter study was undertaken at three different hospitals in the United Kingdom. We collected data of all patients, who underwent LA by this technique between 2014 and 2019. Demographics, operative findings, postoperative complications and readmissions were recorded and analyzed. Results: In total, 227 appendicectomies were performed. Median age was 24 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 16-58) with 58% male preponderance. Operative findings were 57% (n = 130) acutely inflammatory appendicitis, 16.74% (n = 38) were complicated appendicitis (perforated, gangrenous). Rest of the operative findings were macroscopically normal appendix (with no other pathology in 18.06% (n = 41), and macroscopically normal appendix but with gynecological pathologies in 7.9% (n = 18). Postoperatively, there were no cases to report complication of blow out stumps neither clinically nor radiologically. Surgical site infections rate has been 3.5% (n = 8). One patient had small intra-abdominal abscess (0.4%), treated by IV antibiotics. Mean hospital stay was 1.89 days (standard deviation [SD] 1-5 days). Thirty days readmissions rate was 4.8%. None of the complications or readmissions was related to the surgical technique. There were no deaths recorded in this series. Cost of handmade endoloop was $0.69. Conclusion: Use of Johan forceps as knot pusher for extracorporeal Roeder knot is a safe, feasible, cost-effective, and easily reproducible technique for carrying out LA.