title: The type of specimen retrieval in laparoscopic appendectomy affects wound infection.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the role of laparoscopy in appendicitis and importance of wound protection in this sense.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data of 506 patients operated on by either open or laparoscopic appendectomy within the last four years were evaluated retrospectively for wound infection rates. Those had laparoscopic surgery were also subgrouped and analyzed in terms of retrieval type of the specimen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Wound infection rate was 5.7% for open appendectomy and zero for laparoscopic appendectomy in minimal or non-inflamed cases. For suppurative appendicitis and gangrenous or perforated cases wound infection rates were 9.1% versus 17.6% for open appendectomy versus laparoscopy. Laparoscopy without wound protection increased these rates to 17.9% versus 50%, where as wound protection reduced both to zero.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopy itself was protective for wound infection in non-inflamed or minimally inflamed appendectomy cases with respect to open surgery. However, for suppurative, gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, laparoscopy protects from wound infection only when contact of the specimen with incisions was avoided.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopy reduces wound infection rates in appendectomy. This advantage is prominent especially wound contamination with the specimen is prevented anywise. Using a glove finger, as a tissue bag for the retrieval of the specimen has been our favorite method that we defined as "reverse cover-up technique".
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Glove bag, Glove finger, Laparoscopic appendectomy, Specimen retrieval, Tissue bag, Wound protection.
authors.forename: Huseyin Ozgur
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Aytac
authors.forename: Nurkan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Torer
authors.forename: Ilker Murat
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Arer
mesh_terms: D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D001064:Appendicitis / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013048:Specimen Handling; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*