Hem-o-lok clips versus ıntracorporeal knotting for closure of the appendix stump in laparoscopic appendectomy: Prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the superiority of intracorporeal sutures and Hem-o-lok clips about efficiency, reliability and cost. METHODS: We performed laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis in this study. Appendiceal stump was closed by Hem-o-lok clips (Group I) and intracorporeal knotting (Group II) in a randomized manner. Groups were compared for demographic data (age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score) operation time, total cost, 2.6.12.24.hours and 7th day pain score. RESULTS: Demographic data, such as age, gender and BMI, were similar between groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups concerning peroperative and postoperative complications (p>0.05). No postoperative nausea, vomiting, ileus and intraabdominal abscess were observed in patients. There was no significant difference between the groups about duration of operation, length of hospital stay and cost analysis (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in pain scores of groups. The effect of the operation type on pain scores was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that both intracorporeal knotting and Hem-o-loc clips were effective, reliable and similar cost-effective in laparoscopic appendectomy. The decision should be based on the surgeon's experience.