Should single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy be the new standard for pediatric appendicitis?

Abstract Purpose To compare single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) with conventional (CLA) and transumbilical laparoscopic appendectomy (TULA). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into three groups, SILA, CLA, and TULA. SILA was defined as performing appendectomy extracorporeally or intracorporeally by using a glove-port incorporated with 3 trocars. TULA was defined as exteriorizing appendix and performing extracorporeal appendectomy by using an operative telescope. Statistical analysis was conducted in patients with simple (SA) and complicated appendicitis (CA), respectively. Results A total of 315 patients were enrolled, including 161 in SILA, 105 in CLA, and 49 in TULA. Demographic data were similar. In patients with simple appendicitis, operation time of SILA was shorter than CLA but longer than TULA (62.8 ± 22.5 vs. 82.2 ± 24.3 and 51.6 ± 22.3 mins, p Conclusions SILA has the advantages of shorter operation time and hospital stay over CLA as well as a lower rate of additional ports than TULA.