title: Laparoscopic appendectomy in children: use of the endoloop vs the endostapler.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Two techniques are used for laparoscopic appendectomy (LA): division of the mesoappendix with the harmonic scalpel and ligation of the appendix with an endoloop (EL), or division of the mesoappendix and appendix with an endostapler (ES). Using an ES is a cost-effective technique that provides an outcome benefit in children who require appendectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Academic, tertiary care children's hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-five children who underwent LA from January 1, 2002, to March 31, 2004.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laparoscopic appendectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Age, diagnosis, length of stay, surgical time, total operating room time, complications, and instrumentation costs were compared between the EL and ES groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in age, length of stay, perforated, gangrenous, or acute appendicitis diagnoses, or complications between the groups. The surgical time and total operating room time for LA in children in the ES group were significantly shorter than in children in the EL group by 15% and 17%, respectively (P<.05). The disposable equipment costs for LA were $201 per case in the ES group vs $400 per case in the EL group. The mean 14.9-minute increase in total operating room time in children in the EL group resulted in $373 of additional operating room and anesthesia costs. The decreased disposable equipment costs and shorter surgical time of LA in the ES group led to cost savings of $572 per case as compared with children who underwent LA with an EL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no significant difference in outcome between children who undergo LA with an EL or with an ES. However, this study supports the use of the ES for LA as a more cost-effective technique that is associated with reduced surgical time.
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. jrlukish@bethesda.med.navy.mil
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lukish
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morrow
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cruess
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guzzetta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D017046:Cost Savings; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics; D008297:Male; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods