title: Suprapubic single incision laparoscopic appendectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The single incision method through the umbilicus is commonly used for laparoscopic appendectomy. To obtain a better cosmetic outcome and less surgical complexity, we have designed a new single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy technique performed above the pubic symphysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2011 and January 2012, patients with uncomplicated acute or chronic appendicitis, excluding those with abscess, perforation, peritonitis, and previous pelvic surgery, underwent this innovative laparoscopic appendectomy. During each operation, a multichannel trocar composed of a small wound protector and a size 6 sterile glove was deployed after a 2 cm transverse incision was made 1-2 cm above the pubic hair area.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 42 patients, 24 were male and 18 were female. Their mean age was 30 ± 11 y. The mean operative time was 58 ± 11 min, mean time to first flatus postoperatively was 17 ± 8 h, and mean postoperative length of hospital stay was 3 ± 1 d. No complications occurred during surgery. No patient required conversion to either multiport or open appendectomy. Postoperative wound inflammation was observed in one case (2.3%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggested that suprapubic single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy seems to be safe and feasible for selected patients, in consideration of cosmetic outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Yanan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Guangdong Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Wenjun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Xiong
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoliang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Lan
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Jianming
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Tao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Hao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: gzliguoxin@163.com.
authors.forename: Guoxin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Laparoscopic appendectomy; Minimally invasive technique; Suprapubic single-incision