title: The usefulness and safety of Hem-o-lok clips for the closure of appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and usefulness of the Hem-o-lok clip for the closure of appendicular stumps and limitations of the Hem-o-lok clip.
  
  
  METHODS
  From May 2010 to August 2011, 105 consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomies by three surgeons. XL size Hem-o-lok clips were used for the closure of appendicular stumps by one surgeon. The remaining surgeons used double endoloop ligatures. Prospectively collected data from patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy due to acute appendicitis were retrospectively reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 105 laparoscopic appendectomies were performed. The endoloop group consisted of 66 patients (mean age, 34.6 years; range, 16 to 82 years), while the Hem-o-lok group consisted of 39 patients (mean age, 43.5 years; range, 11 to 88 years). In three cases, the Hem-o-lok clip was not used due to enlargement and severe inflammation of the appendix base. No specific intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of Hem-o-lok clips for the closure of appendicular stumps in laparoscopic appendectomy is a feasible, safe, fast and cost-effective procedure in patients with a mildly to moderately inflamed appendix base of less than 10 mm in diameter.
authors: Department of Surgery, Inje University Haeundae Paik Hopsital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors: Chang Sik
authors: CS
authors: Hue
authors: Jin Su
authors: JS
authors: Kim
authors: Ki Hoon
authors: KH
authors: Kim
authors: So-Hyun
authors: SH
authors: Nam
authors: Kwan Woo
authors: KW
authors: Kim
keywords: Appendicitis; Appendicular stump; Hem-o-lok clip; Laparoscopic appendectomy