Appendicular Stump Closure by Polymer Clip vs Endoloop in Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Introduction: Several techniques are used to close the appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. This is especially important in developing countries where resources for training with endoloop are insufficient, and the simplicity of application of polymer clips can enable easy acceptance of laparoscopic appendectomy as a method in the treatment of acute appendicitis. Aim: The aim of the study was to compare results of appendicular stump closure by polymer clip and endoloop with reference to • Days of hospitalization, • Infection rate, and • Ease of application Materials and methods: This is a prospective study of 70 cases of laparoscopic appendectomy operated in the Department of General Surgery, SSG Hospital, Vadodara, from October 2016 to October 2017 (35 patients in each group i.e., polymer clip application group and endoloop application group). Operative data were recorded, and the patients were followed up accordingly. Independent assessors were assigned to obtain days of hospitalization, infection rate, ease of application, and other secondary outcomes. Results: It is more feasible for surgeons to use polymer clip than endoloop to close appendicular stump as per the surgeon’s opinion taken after each surgery. However, days of hospitalization and postoperative complication rates were not statistically significant in both groups. Conclusion: Closure of appendix stump with a polymer clip is a simple and safe method in laparoscopic appendectomy and is comparable with other methods of appendicular stump closure.