title: Use of percutaneous thread loop to hold the vermiform appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic appendectomy, although not as widely performed as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it has got definite advantage over the conventional open procedure. Controversy exists regarding the closure of stump. Our institute practices intracorporeal knot tying using 3 ports. Difficulties are observed in three port technique to hold the appendix during knot tying. We use a percutaneous thread loop. Advantage of the use of loop was evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study was carried out during 18 months. Total cases were randomly divided in non-loop and with loop group. Operative procedure was same. Cases were compared in terms of operating time, post-operative hospital stay and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total patients were 66. Thirty two in non-loop group and 34 in with loop group. Mean age was 27.89 yrs. Most of the cases were females (62%). Mean operating time was less in loop group although statistically not significant. There was no difference in post operative hospital stay. Use of loop was not associated with added complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of percutaneous loop to hold the appendix reduces the operating time and replaces the need of fourth port. It is safe and effective without any increased morbidity. Key words: Laparoscopic appendectomy, Intracorporeal knot, Percutaneous loop.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, Kathmandu, Nepal. mukundrajjoshi@yahoo.com
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Shrestha
authors.forename: P B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Thapa
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Koirala
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bhattarai
authors.forename: U M S
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Dongol
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D001065:Appendix / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome