title: Analysis of endoloops and endostaples for closing the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An inadequate closure of the appendiceal stump can lead to intra-abdominal surgical site infections. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of different closure techniques by focusing on the intraoperative and postoperative complications versus cost.
  
  
  METHODS
  From June 2011 to June 2013, 333 patients from two different hospitals undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the technique used for appendiceal stump closure: there were 104 patients in the stapler group and 229 in the loop group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 333 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy, there were two (0.6%) intraoperative complications and 22 (6.6%) postoperative complications. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the intraoperative and postoperative complications. The length of the operation was 7 min shorter when the endoloop was used (p = 0.014). The mean costs of the operation were significantly lower when the loop was used (<euro> 554.93) compared to the stapler (<euro> 900.70) (p = 0.000).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no clinical evidence supporting the routine use of endoscopic staplers. The appendiceal stump can be secured safely with the use of endoloops in the majority of patients. Surgeons have to be more selective when choosing how to perform closure, and an endostapler should be used only in cases where it is clinically indicated.
authors: Department of Surgery, University Hospital Dubrava, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
authors: Mislav
authors: M
authors: Rakić
authors: Miro
authors: M
authors: Jukić
authors: Zenon
authors: Z
authors: Pogorelić
authors: Ivana
authors: I
authors: Mrklić
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Kliček
authors: Nikica
authors: N
authors: Družijanić
authors: Zdravko
authors: Z
authors: Perko
authors: Leonardo
authors: L
authors: Patrlj
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D001065:Appendix / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000191:economics*; D013537:Sutures; D055815:Young Adult