APPENDICULAR STUMP CLOSURE USING HEM-O-LOK CLIPS IN LAPAROSCOPIC APPENDECTOMY

Background: Closure of the appendicular stump (CAS) is the most crucial part of appendectomy procedures because most of the complications occur by a leak of the stump. The aim of this clinical study is to evaluate Hem-o-lok? clip size XL [Teleflex Medical, Research Triangle Park, NC] for CAS regards operative time, complications and cost. Methods: This is a prospective study of 20 patients had history of acute appendicitis operated upon by laparoscopic appendectomy using Hem-o-lok? clip for CAS in the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit, Alexandria Main University Hospital. Operative time, complication rate and cost were recorded. Results: mean Operative time was 49.8 ? 11.04. No intraoperative complications were seen. There were no postoperative leak or intraabdominal collections. Only one patient had postoperative wound infection. The mean cost of the closure was $50 for the Hem-o-lok clip group. Conclusions: The use of Hem-o-lok clips for CAS in laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible, safe, but cost-effective procedure in patients with a non-gangrenous appendix base regardless of the diameter.