Laparoscopic vs Transumbilical Single-Port Laparoscopic Appendectomy; Results of Prospective Randomized Trial

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is more commonly performed than transumbilical single port laparoscopic appendectomy (TUSPLA). In this report, we performed a prospective randomized study comparing the outcomes of LA and TUSPLA. METHODS: Between April 14, 2009 and June 10, 2009, 40 patients who required laparoscopic appendectomies were randomly selected to receive either a TUSPLA or a LA. None of these patients had perforation or abscess. Twenty of the patients received a LA and the other 20 received a TUSPLA. The clinical outcomes and visual analog pain scores (VAS) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The TUSPLA procedures were performed successfully in every indicated patient. Clinical outcomes were similar in both study groups. The TUSPLA group showed a significantly higher VAS score 24 hours postoperatively than the LA group. CONCLUSION: Compared with LA, TUSPLA was technically feasible and safe in patients with non-complicated appendicitis. However, the patients in the TUSPLA group reported more postoperative pain than those in the LA group.