Initial experience with single incision laparoscopic appendectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Within the development of laparoscopy, the single incision laparoscopy method has been recently introduced in paediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the initial experience with single incision laparoscopic appendectomy at the Department of Paediatric Surgery, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Motol University Hospital, Prague.
Methods: A consecutive cohort of paediatric patients (≤18 years) undergoing laparoscopic single incision surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis between 4/30/2019 and 4/30/2021 was retrospectively evaluated. The following parameters were monitored: patient’s demographic characteristics, perioperative course, surgery duration, number and method of surgery conversions, length of postoperative hospitalization, postoperative complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo classification, occurrence of incisional hernias, and length of follow-up.
Results: In all, 160 patients (72 (45%) females) with uncomplicated appendicitis were included in the study. The median age at the time of surgery was 12 (IQR: 9.9−14.9) years. The median duration of surgery was 50 (IQR: 38−60) minutes. Only one conversion to multiport laparoscopy and no conversion to open surgery were reported. The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 (IQR: 2−3) days. We observed 5 intra-abdominal and 9 wound complications.
Conclusion: Single incision laparoscopic appendectomy is a safe, effective and rapidly adoptable method for the treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis in children.