title: Endoloop as the first line tool for appendiceal stump closure in children with appendicitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to compare outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) performed either (1) using an endostapler (ES) to divide the appendix and mesoappendix or (2) using endoloops (ELs) to close the appendiceal stump and electrocautery to divide the mesoappendix.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent LA for suspected appendicitis 4 years at a free standing children's hospital. The use of EL and ES was compared separately in patients with perforated and nonperforated appendicitis. We compared patient characteristics and outcomes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences in rate of postoperative abscess, rate of subsequent small bowel obstruction requiring operation or rate of intraperitoneal hematoma between the ES and EL groups for both nonperforated and perforated appendectomy cases. Superficial wound infection was more common in the nonperforated EL group (17/309, 5.5%) than in the nonperforated ES group (2/235, 0.9%; p = 0.007). Operative time for the EL technique (52.2 ± 15.8 minutes; p = 0.047) was shorter than for the ES technique (58 ± 23.2 minutes) for patients with perforated appendicitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EL stump closure and mesoappendix cauterization during LA is safe and effective in children with appendicitis, including perforated appendicitis.
authors: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Naiditch
authors: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
authors: Timothy
authors: T
authors: Lautz
authors: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Chin
authors: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
authors: Marybeth
authors: M
authors: Browne
authors: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
authors: Erin
authors: E
authors: Rowell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017046:Cost Savings; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D061646:Operative Time; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies