Closure of the appendix stump with two different suture materials in laparoscopic appendectomy in children

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the closure of the appendix base using two different suture materials that we used in our clinic with those published in the literature. Materials and methods: The study retrospectively reviews 36 cases of children who underwent laparoscopic appendectomies. The patients were divided into two groups: the Vicryl suture group and the silk suture group. Laboratory results, diagnostic algorithms, surgical techniques, and complications were investigated. Results: Sixteen (44%) of the cases were male, and twenty (56%) were female. All patients' mean hospital admission time was 2.22±1.6 days (range: 1–7 days). The mean WBC and CRP levels were 14.67±5.8x109/L, 139.3±120 mg/L in the vicryl group and 15.36±6.4x109/L and 86±80 mg/L in the silk group. Small bowel obstruction was observed in nine patients in the vicryl group and six patients in the silk group. Ultrasonography was performed in 31 of the cases, the appendix was visualized in 21 cases (67%).Intravenous contrast-enhanced CT imaging was applied in 25 cases. At laparoscopic exploration, 20 cases were classified as complicated—17 due to perforation, and 3 due to gangrene. All cases were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The mean follow-up period was 43 months (range: 10-117 months); none of the patients experienced intraoperative complications, and only two patients had minor complications in the postoperative period. Conclusion: In all circumstances and regardless of the appendix's diameter, the appendix stump can be securely closed with both silk and vicryl suture material.