Video-assisted transumbilical appendectomy in children

Background Video-assisted transumbilical appendectomy (VATA) is a combination of laparoscopic and open techniques and is not widely used in children. We are reporting our most recent experience with this technique. Methods After the institutional review board approval, the charts of patients who underwent VATA between December 2003 and October 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. All children presenting with a preoperative diagnosis of appendicitis were candidates. A 10-mm trocar was placed in the umbilicus. An operating laparoscope was used for mobilizing the appendix. The appendix was delivered through the umbilicus. A standard extracorporeal appendectomy was performed. The umbilical ring was closed and the wound irrigated. Demographic and outcome data were collected and is presented as mean ± SD. Results Sixty-one males and 50 females underwent VATA (n = 111). Age and weight were 11 ± 3.2 years and 49 ± 22 kg, respectively. Six patients had previous abdominal surgery. Operative time was 36 ± 24 minutes (range, 9-140 minutes). An additional trocar was placed in 2 patients, and 2 patients were converted to open. Five patients had additional procedures. Appendicitis was classified intraoperatively as acute (n = 44), suppurative (n = 5), gangrenous (n = 8), ruptured (n = 30), appendiceal colic (n = 13), and other (n = 11). Preoperative antibiotics were given to 95 patients and were continued in 35 patients postoperatively. Length of stay was 1.8 ± 1.7 days (range, 1-11 days). Length of follow-up was 13 ± 6.3 days (n = 90). Complications included intra-abdominal abscess (n = 1) and wound infection (n = 7). Conclusions Video-assisted transumbilical appendectomy minimizes equipment needs, thus, potentially reducing cost. Simple and complex appendectomies can be performed even if the patient has had previous abdominal surgery. Our complication rate was low, and our operating times and length of stay were short. Video-assisted transumbilical appendectomy is a safe and effective technique in children and can be used in lieu of the 3-trocar laparoscopic technique.