The feasibility of bipolar tissue sealer for appendix stump closure

Abstract

Background: Appendiceal stump closure is a highly important step in laparoscopic appendectomy, especially for post-operative complications. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of suture ligation and bipolar tissue sealer techniques on burst pressure using flesh appendectomy specimens. Material and methods: Appendectomy specimens of 32 patients with grade I-II disease were included in the study. Perforated or necrotic appendices and specimens ineligible for pressure measurement were excluded from the study. Appendiceal stumps of 16 patients in group 1 were double-ligated with 2/0 polyglactin sutures, then appendectomy was performed between these sutures. In group 2, the management of the stump was performed through single ligation with polyglactin suture, followed by appendectomy using a bipolar tissue sealing device. Burst pressures were recorded for all specimens. Results: There were no differences between groups in terms of age and sex. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of burst pressure (p = 0.92). Also, no significant difference was found between groups in terms of localization of the perforation (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Bipolar tissue sealer achieves safe stump closure with satisfactory burst pressure values. Based on this, using bipolar tissue sealer for appendiceal stump closure in appendicitis may be safe and reliable.

Key words:

• Bipolar sealer
• appendectomy
• burst pressure

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.