title: Feasibility of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy in a small hospital.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes for single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) for the treatment of acute appendicitis and to assess the feasibility of performing SILA in a small hospital with limited surgical instruments and staff experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective record review identified 133 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy from December 2013 to April 2015. Patients were categorized according to the type of appendectomy performed (SILA or CLA). Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Postoperative complication rates were compared using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Postoperative pain was assessed using a visual analog scale immediately postsurgery; at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours postoperatively, and at 7 days postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Record review identified 38 patients who had undergone SILA and 95 patients who had undergone CLA. No significant differences in clinical characteristics were found between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in operation time, time to flatus, or length of hospital stay. Overall complication rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups. No complications worse than grade IIIa occurred in the SILA group. Postoperative pain scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups at any time point.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found comparable surgical outcomes for SILA compared to CLA. Even in a small hospital with limited surgical instruments and staff experience, SILA may be a feasible and safe technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Armed Forces Ildong Hospital, Pocheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Byung Hee
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Armed Forces Ildong Hospital, Pocheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung Chul
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Armed Forces Ildong Hospital, Pocheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Woo
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Armed Forces Ildong Hospital, Pocheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Gyeo Ra
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
authors.forename: Hyung Soon
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Appendectomy; Laparoscopy; Minimally invasive surgical procedures