title: Results of laparoscopic appendectomies performed with the use of titanium clips for closure of the appendicular stump.
abstract: Nowadays laparoscopy is used frequently not only in elective surgery but also in abdominal emergencies, including acute appendicitis. There are several techniques used to close the appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. The aim of the study was to present the results of minimally invasive appendectomies performed with the use of titanium clips.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients operated on laparoscopically for acute appendicitis with the application of titanium clips between October 2012 and December 2013 were included in the study. We reviewed retrospectively patients` data including: age, sex, duration of the surgical procedure and hospital stay, mortality, intraoperative and postoperative complication rates.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 93 patients (mean age=33.8 years, SD=15.23) in the analyzed group, including 60 men (mean age=33.5 years, SD= 15.07) and 33 women (mean age=33.9 years SD=15.26). The average duration of the surgical procedure was 66 min (SD= 33.15). The average length of hospital stay was 3.38 days (SD=1.62). No intraoperative complications were observed in the analyzed group. Post-operative complication rate was low (6 cases, 6.5%). No mortality was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic appendectomy with the application of titanium clips for closure of the appendicular stump is safe, associated with low complication rates and should be considered as a routine technique in everyday surgical practice.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Strzałka
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matyja
authors.forename: Kazimierz
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rembiasz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014025:Titanium; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014025:Titanium