Single-port transumbilical laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy.

Single-port TULAA was done in eleven patients aged 12 to 56 years (mean 34) with uncomplicated appendicitis. Patients with appendicular mass and overt appendicular abscesses were excluded. A 10-mm operating telescope with a 5-mm telescope and 5-mm working channel was introduced through a single 10-mm umbilical port. The appendix was visualized, and grasped with a non-traumatic grasper and evaluated for mobility. The appendix was pulled out from the umbilical port after deflation of pneumoperitoneum and appendectomy carried out in the conventional way. The average operative time was 20 minutes (range 15-25). Mean postoperative stay was 1.5 days (range 1-2); six patients were discharged on the same day. Only one patient required narcotic analgesics postoperatively for pain control. There were no major or minor postoperative complications. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results.