Safety and Efficacy of Polymeric Clips for Appendiceal Stump Closure.

Journal Article (Clinical Trial;Journal Article)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic appendectomy remains one of the most common emergency general surgical procedures in the United States. In an era of increasing focus on costs in medical care, we sought to evaluate the use of polymeric clips to secure the appendiceal base during laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy from April 2013 through September 2014 at a single academic teaching institution. Polymeric clips were used to secure the appendiceal stump. Tissue dissection techniques and control of the mesoappendix were the operating surgeon's choice. Clinical outcomes are reported. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients (56% women; mean age, 41 y; body mass index of 29 kg/m(2)) were enrolled in our study and underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with polymeric clips. One patient was unable to have polymeric clips placed due to inflammation of the appendiceal base. There were no major perioperative complications. One patient developed a suture abscess in the umbilical incision, and another had prolonged ileus with computed tomography demonstrating persistent pelvic fluid that did not require intervention. Median length of stay was 1 d and mean length of follow-up was 81 d. The use of polymeric clips contributed ∼ $32 to the overall operative cost. CONCLUSIONS: Polymeric clips are a safe alternative for securing the appendiceal base in laparoscopic appendectomy. They offer significant cost savings without any evidence of increased complications.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Reinke, CE; Tabone, LE; Fong, P; Yoo, JS; Park, CW

Published Date

  • 2016

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 20 / 3

PubMed ID

  • 27493473

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC4968612

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1938-3797

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.4293/JSLS.2016.00045

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States