Single incision laparoscopic appendectomy using conventional instruments for uncomplicated appendicitis patients

Background: Conventional Laparoscopic Appendectomy (CLA) is a minimum invasive operation for appendicitis patients. Single Incision Laparoscopic Appendectomy (SILA) is an operation with increasing interest to the surgeons because of the better cosmetic outcome. Using conventional instruments rather than special instruments to operate SILA can reduce treatment cost. SILA is more difficult than CLA to be performed due to the loss of triangulation and poor vision. Up to now few studies have been reported on how to overcome the operation difficulty of SILA. Patients and methods: A total of 107 patients with appendicitis from February 2013 to January 2015 were enrolled in this study. All patients were randomly assigned to two groups: SILA and CLA. The characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analysed. Results: There were no significant differences in BMI, age, gender, leukocyte count, Visual Analogue Score, operation time, hospital stay, or treatment cost between two groups. Three cases of SILA group required additional troca placement to complete the operation. None of the cases required conversion to an open appendectomy. Conclusions: SILA is a feasible and safe alternative to CLA for uncomplicated appendicitis patients. The operative difficulty can be reduced by usage of cross-operation technique.