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298
T2
10.1 Appendectomy
T3
ca. 3 mm
Fig. 10.1.15 Appendectomy. Reversed technique: transecting the base
of the appendix. The emptied base of the appendix is transected between the ligature and the closed grasper (trocar 3) at a safe distance from the Roeder knot with scissor introduced through trocar 2. Next pull the appendix into the ap-
pendix retrieval sleeve in a retrograde fashion and extract it from the
abdominal cavity through trocar 3. Now disinfect the stump of the base with a Betadine swab as shown in Fig. 10.1.17. Note: Use a new inner tube or sleeve for the swab introduction.
T3
Fig. 10.1.16 Appendectomy. Complication: extraction error. Here, the surgeon neglected to first pull the entire appendix into the re­trieval sleeve while removing the appendix from the abdominal cavity. The tip of the appendix outside the retrieval sleeve becomes caught in the flap valve. Once this happens, attempting to pull the appendix out of the valve will only pull the valve itself shut, rendering extraction impossible. One can only extract the appendix if you remove the entire upper lock with the flap valve from the trocar. To prevent a complete loss of CO sure from the abdomen, the assistant must place a finger over the open­ing of the trocar.
Prevention:
− Always advance the retrieval sleeve 2−3 mm beyond the end of the trocar in the abdomen.
− The second assistant places the index finger on the retrieval sleeve to hold it when the appendix is pulled into the sleeve (see Fig. 4.1.83).
− Only remove the retrieval sleeve from the trocar after the appendix has been pulled into the sleeve.
Note: Disposable and reusable new generation trocars are equipped with a mechanism that facilitates specimen retrieval while preserving the pneumoperitoneal seal.
pres-
2
Fig. 10.1.17 Appendectomy. Disinfecting the stump of the appendix.
The residual ligated stump of the appendix should be as short as possible to reduce the danger of necrosis or stump appendicitis. Disinfect it with a Betadine swab inserted through a new uncontaminated retrieval sleeve (trocar 3). Allow at least five seconds for the disinfectant to act. Swab handling and possible complications are described in Figs. 4.1.80 and
4.1.81. Do not bury the stump of the appendix. This technique eliminates
the need for a pursestring suture.
Alternative Techniques
T2
T3
T2
T3
T2
T3
Trocar Placement
299
Fig. 10.1.18 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Preparing for a retro-
grade appendectomy. Incise the peritoneal covering of the mesoappendix near the base (trocar 2) while applying tension to the appendix. If bleed­ing occurs, hemostasis can be immediately obtained with bipolar electro-
cautery.
Fig. 10.1.20 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Stapling across the base of the appendix. After opening the
window in the mesoappendix, move the base of the appendix into the jaws of the stapler, keeping the stapler as
close to the base as possible. By activating the stapler, two double staple lines are placed, one on each side of a blade separating the appendix from the cecum, while both hollow structures are simultaneously closed by the
staples. Two staple applications are necessary if the mesoappendix is large and is taken separately, as will most
often be the case.
Note: The tissue to be transected must be placed exactly between the markings on the stapler.
After selecting the proper stapler size and separating the appendix from the mesoappendix, place the stapler
close to the base of the appendix. After stapling appendix and mesoappendix (in one or two applications as needed), remove the stapler and extract the appendix through the T3 trocar using a grasper inserted through the retrieval sleeve or tube.
Fig. 10.1.19 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Window of the me­soappendix. Grasp the appendix approximately 2−3 cm from its base on the cecum (trocar 3). Insert a grasper through the 5.5-mm trocar sleeve (trocar 2) lo­cated in the left lower abdomen. With blunt dissection and spreading of the grasper blades, open a window in the base of the mesoappendix. If bleeding occurs, obtain immediate hemostasis with bipolar electro­cautery.
Fig. 10.1.21 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Circumferential ligature applied to the base of the appendix
and secured with an extracorporeally tied knot.
An alternative to the stapler technique shown in Fig. 10.1.20 is to use a ligature with an extracorporeal Roeder knot. Feed the free end of the ligature through the window in the mesoappendix and back out through the 5.5­mm instrument sleeve inserted in the left lower abdomen. Knotting technique is described in chapter 2.3. Use a
90-cm length of absorbable suture (metric 3.5).
T3
T2
300
10.1 Appendectomy
T3
T2
Fig. 10.1.22 Retrograde appendectomy. Alternative technique. If the tip of the appendix is adherent or otherwise inaccessible, perform
the appendectomy in a retrograde fashion. Transect the appendix near its
ligated base and coagulate the mesoappendix first (trocar 2). Grasp the
free end of the transected appendix with a grasper (trocar 3). If a stapler is
used, double staple lines, one each on the base of the appendix and on
the free end of the transected appendix, provide a secure closure (see
Fig. 10.1.20).
T3
5 mm
Fig. 10.1.23 Retrograde appendectomy. Alternative technique: retrieval. Pull the transected appendix base first into the retrieval tube (trocar 3). This tube must be advanced approximately 5 mm beyond the end of the trocar in the abdomen.
Caution: Avoid contaminating the end of the trocar.
T3
T2
Fig. 10.1.24 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Double-loop tech­nique. Transecting the appendix.
The double-loop technique is another alternate method of performing la-
paroscopic appendectomy without coagulating the base of the appendix.
After placing a ligature around the base of the appendix and squeezing the lumen from the base to the tip, place a second Roeder loop and knot approximately 5−7 mm above the initial ligature. Now one can transect
the appendix (scissors, trocar 2) between these two ligatures without having to coagulate it. Extract the transected appendix from the abdomi­nal cavity through a sleeve (trocar 3), and disinfect the stump (see Fig. 10.1.17,p.).
T1
T3
T2
Fig. 10.1.25 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Stapled append­ectomy: trocar placement. The 12-mm trocar (trocar 2) inserted in the left lower abdomen is used for introducing the stapler and removing the appendix. The grasper for applying tension to the appendix is inserted through the 15-mm instrument sleeve in the right lower abdomen. The forward-view­ing laparoscope is introduced through a 10-mm sleeve inserted in the in­ferior umbilical rim (trocar 1).
T2
T3
T2
Trocar Placement
301
T3
Fig. 10.1.26 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Stapled append-
ectomy. While elevating the appendix with a grasper, insert the mesoappendix
near the base of the appendix into the open jaws of the stapler. Determine
the proper stapler size, adapted to tissue thickness. Two applications of the stapling instrument may be necessary if the mesoappendix is too
large. Note that the tissue to be transected must be placed exactly be-
tween the markings on the stapler.
Fig. 10.1.27 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Stapled append­ectomy.
After selecting the proper stapler size and cleaning the appendiceal base,
place the stapler close to the cecum.
After stapling, remove the stapler and retrieve the appendix through the same trocar sleeve (12 mm) using a grasper inserted through the 5-mm converter.
Fig. 10.1.28 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Stapler append-
ectomy: the surgical site. Inspect the surgical site to ensure that hemostasis has been obtained. Re­move any superfluous staples from the abdominal cavity under laparo-
scopic control. Disinfect the stump of the appendix with a Betadine swab inserted
through the left 12-mm trocar. This completes the procedure.
Fig. 10.1.29 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Closure of the ap­pendiceal artery. The vessels of the mesoappendix can be managed securely by intra- or ex­tracorporeally knotted ligatures. This technique is particularly useful for a fat-rich mesoappendix. Suture: resorbable polyglycolic acid 0; metris 3.5; length 90 cm.
302
10.1 Appendectomy
T3
T2
Fig. 10.1.30 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Bipolar coagulation. Pull the distal end of the appendix into the T3 trocar inner sleeve and begin coagulation of the appendiceal artery close to the appendix using bipolar electrocautery. Apply power only in short bursts of 1−2 seconds at
a medium-range power setting (see Fig. 10.1.7 for key to instrument num-
bers).
Drainage and Lavage
Placement of a peritoneal drain exiting through a separate stab wound is indicated in localized and generalized peritonitis. Irri­gate the abscess cavities with isotonic saline solution at body temperature with the patient placed in the reverse Trendelen­burg position. Note: In the presence of generalized peritonitis, immediate con­version to conventional laparotomy is indicated.
Antibiotic Therapy
Perioperative parenteral antibiotic therapy (with medications
such as cefotam dihydrochloride and metronidazole) is recom-
mended for colon surgery. Antibiotic therapy is indicated fol­lowing intestinal perforation, peritonitis, periappendiceal infil­tration, and appendiceal abscess. Continue therapy for three to five days. Obtaining a culture is indicated.
Palliative Surgery
In the presence of an appendiceal abscess, exposing the appen­dix can be difficult and may lead to complications.
Corrective action:
− Laparoscopy: Debride and irrigate the abscess cavity, leaving the appendix in place. Place a peritoneal drain. Remove the appendix during a second procedure after a safe clinical in­terval.
− Laparotomy: Chances for safe appendectomy are better using conventional techniques. Otherwise, proceed as de­scribed above.
T2
Fig. 10.1.31 Appendectomy. Alternative technique. Transecting the coagulation zone. Transect the mesoappendix in the coagulation zone with curved laparo­scopic scissors. The coagulation zone extends close to the base of the ap­pendix (see Fig. 10.1.7 for key to instrument numbers).
Complications
Improper use of electrocautery in laparoscopic appendectomy can cause serious complications. These can be reduced by not using monopolar electrocautery. Every surgeon must be famil­iar with the characteristics of the respective coagulation device used (i. e., laser, monopolar or bipolar electrocautery, etc.). The surgeon must appreciate that any application of these tech­niques results in thermal tissue destruction and that the various techniques require different practice methods and specific timing. To reduce complications involving the stump of the appendix, observe the following precautions:
1. Only experienced laparoscopic surgeons should perform the procedure.
2. The retrograde technique will reduce the use of electro­cautery (see p. 291). Use a stapler at the base; do not use clips.
3. Precisely expose the base of the appendix.
4. Be familiar with anatomic variants (see Fig. 10.1.3 and
10.1.13).
5. Use synthetic absorbable sutures but not catgut.
6. Use the proper specimen retrieval technique.
7. Disinfect the stump of the appendix.
8. Leave only a short appendiceal stump in place to avoid necrosis (3−5 mm maximum).
9. When in doubt, convert to open procedure.
10. Convert to open procedure in the presence of a proximally ruptured appendix.
Fig. 10.1.32 Appendectomy. Complication: coagulation of the mesoap­pendix.
The heat produced by electrocautery is an important factor in complica­tions. The following errors can produce thermal necrosis of the appen­diceal base on the cecum:
− Coagulation time too long.
− Coagulation too close to the base of the cecum.
− Power setting too high.
− Use of monopolar electrocautery.
Prevention:
The surgeon can observe thermal tissue changes:
− Tissue shrinkage occurs (the tissue is dehydrated).
− Blistering occurs (the tissue “cooks” and edema forms).
− Discoloration occurs (proteins are destroyed and the tissue is coagu­lated).
When using electrocautery, always ensure proper
− duration,
− power setting,
− type of application (monopolar or bipolar).
T3
Complications
3–5 mm
303
Corrective action:
If intraoperative thermal tissue damage is observed, conversion to la­parotomy may be indicated depending on the extent of the damage.
Intraoperative Complications
Generalized peritonitis. Corrective action: Convert to open procedure. Specific laparoscopic complications can occur which necessi-
tate conversion to a conventional open procedure.
Injury to a Hollow or Parenchymal Organ
(See Fig. 10.1.6 and Fig. 10.1.13). Corrective action: Intestinal punctures can be laparoscopically sutured. If difficulties are encountered or in case of doubt, con-
version to laparotomy is indicated. The same applies to major injuries of solid organs.
Uncontrollable Bleeding from the Appendiceal Artery
Corrective action: If hemostasis cannot be obtained laparoscopi-
cally, conversion to laparotomy is indicated to control bleeding.
Puncture of the Common Iliac Artery
(See Fig. 10.1.12). Injury to the common iliac artery is a major complication. This
can occur as a result of improper placement of instrument tro-
cars into the lower abdomen. Corrective action: Convert to open laparotomy immediately and repair the puncture.
Puncture of an Epigastric Blood Vessel
(See Fig. 10.1.15). Corrective action: Place a transabdominal ligature with a straight or curved needle under laparoscopic visualization.
T2
Thermal Damage to the Small Intestine or Colon
(Figs. 10.1.32 and 10.1.33). Using electrocautery to coagulate the base of the appendix can cause direct or indirect thermal necrosis in adjacent parts of the cecum. Corrective action: If in doubt or if major lesions are present, con­version to laparotomy is indicated.
Avulsion of the Appendix
In a gangrenous or phlegmonous vermiform appendix, there is the danger of tearing the appendix, avulsing the tip, or avulsing the entire organ (Fig. 10.1.34). Corrective action: Completely remove the fragments laparos­copically, or by laparotomy. Caution: Place peritoneal drain (see Fig. 4.1.50).
Tears in the Mesoappendix
(Fig. 10.1.35).
Tears in the mesoappendix can damage the appendiceal artery. Corrective action: Immediate repair. Apply clips to obtain he­mostasis. Conversion to laparotomy is indicated if difficulties occur. Corrective action: See Fig. 10.1.36.
Injury to the Ureter
Dissection of an adherent retrocecal appendix involves the risk of damaging the right ureter (Fig. 10.1.37). Corrective action: Anastomose or suture the ureter using a splint; consult a urologist.
304
10.1 Appendectomy
T3
T2
Fig. 10.1.33 Appendectomy. Complication: coagulation of the base of
the appendix.
In addition to limiting the duration of the current pulse and using a low
power setting with electrocautery, maintaining a safe distance between the
instrument and the ligature at the base of the appendix is important in
achieving satisfactory results. The risk of thermal damage to the ligature increases as the distance be­tween the instrument and the ligature decreases. Maintain a distance of 3−5 mm. Corrective action: Resect the necrotic or damaged tissue, including the cecum if necessary. Close the lesion over with a double layer of sutures
(absorbable suture material, metric 2/3 × 0).
T3
T2
Fig. 10.1.34 Appendectomy. Complication: necrosis of the cecum near the base of the appendix. The illustration shows the surgeon attempting to place a Roeder loop and knot near the base of the appendix in the presence of a gangrenous ap­pendicitis or necrosis extending into the cecum. Here there is a risk of tearing the base of the appendix when tightening the ligature. Prevention: In the presence of appendicitis with necrosis near its base, we recommend conversion to open appendectomy. Invert the stump of the appendix, and close the cecum with a pursestring suture (and an additional Z suture if necessary). This operation should be decided and/or guided by an expert surgeon.
Immediate Postoperative Complications
Generalized peritonitis: Conventional surgical treatment with la­parotomy. Studies have reported 0.8−15% morbidity following laparo-
scopic appendectomy. Abscesses with and without concurrent
or subsequent peritonitis are a leading complication. Using the proper suture material for the Roeder loop and knot (absorbable
suture 0; metric 3.5) and proper knot-tying technique an
healthy stumps helps ensure reliable closure. Serious complications due to adhesions appear to be rare in la­paroscopic surgery. The risk of impaired wound healing can be reduced by thorough preoperative disinfection, particularly in the umbilical region. Note: Use a retrieval bag to protect the abdominal wall against contamination (Fig. 10.1.38).
Bleeding
Generally insufficient coagulation of the appendiceal artery or an epigastric vessel is the source of the bleeding. Caution: Sharp pyramidal-tip stylets can cause injury to vascu­lar structures.
Corrective action: Repeat laparoscopy to expose the source of bleeding and achieve hemostasis. If this is unsuccessful, imme­diate laparotomy is indicated. To control bleeding from a vessel in the abdominal wall, place a transabdominal ligature under laparoscopic visualization. Note: Corrective laparoscopy requires the highest level of surgi­cal skill.
Impaired Wound Healing and Infection
This is a rare complication. Intraabdominal abscess: Abscesses can occur as a result of con­tamination, necrosis of an overly long appendiceal stump, or thermal damage to tissue or suture material due to improper use of electrocautery. Corrective action: Expose the surgical site and perform a culture under laparoscopic approach. Revise the stump and place a new suture (pursestring suture or Z suture). Treat with intravenous antibiotics (2 g of cefotam dihydrochloride and 0.5 g of metronidazole) until culture and sensitivity results are availa­ble. With the patient positioned head up, irrigate and debride. Place an extraperitoneal drain. If the ligature of an appendiceal stump slips or fails immediately postoperatively, you can place a second Roeder loop and knot by
Complications
305
T3
Fig. 10.1.35 Appendectomy. Complication: tear in the mesoappendix
and appendix. A tear in the appendix when tension is applied is a rare complication. Use atraumatic graspers. Never apply excessive force to the tip of the appen­dix nor use sharp-jawed graspers for pulling the appendix into the retrieval tube. If the appendix is distended, you may have to use a larger size re-
trieval trocar and tube (15 or 20 mm) to permit pulling the transected ap­pendix into the retrieval tube without encountering resistance. A plastic bag can be used to extract extremely distended appendixes as can occur in the presence of gangrenous appendicitis or mucoceles (see Fig. 10.1.38).
T3
T2
Fig. 10.1.36 Appendectomy. Complication: bleeding from the appen­diceal artery in a retrograde appendectomy. The illustration shows bleeding from the appendiceal artery occurring as the surgeon attempts to create a window in the mesoappendix.
Prevention:
− Blunt dissection with a grasper.
− Always remain close to the appendix in your dissection.
Corrective action: This bleeding can be controlled with bipolar electro­cautery. As mentioned previously, coagulate in brief bursts of one or two seconds at a medium power setting. You can also obtain hemostasis with a Roeder loop and knot. If this fails, conversion to open appendectomy is indicated.
Fig. 10.1.37 Appendectomy. Complication: injury to the ureter due to an
adherent appendix. If the appendix lies in a rectocecal position and adheres to the abdominal
wall, there is an increased risk of injuring the ureter during lysis of adhe-
sions.
Prevention: If you cannot satisfactorily expose the interface between the
visceral and parietal peritoneum, we recommend conversion to a open
appendectomy to lyse adhesions. It may become necessary to splint the ureter.
Corrective action: Convert to laparotomy to repair the injury to the ureter.
T3
T2
306
Fig. 10.1.38 Appendectomy. Using a plastic bag to extract the appendix.
Avoid contamination of the abdominal wall by removing an overly en-
larged appendix in a plastic bag. Tie a knot in the bottom of the bag for
extra strength.
10.1 Appendectomy
laparoscopy after removing the tissue fragments with suction. If in doubt, suture and bury the stump. Note: Thermal damage destroys the suture and weakens tissue. Place the patient in a slight reverse Trendelenburg position to re­duce the risk of spreading contamination during irrigation and debridement.
Subcutaneous or Subfascial Abscess
Corrective action: Generous open debridement and drainage.
Subphrenic Abscess
Corrective action: Repeat laparoscopy and drainage. Alternative: radiologically guided transparietal deep drain placement or conventional transperitoneal or extraperitoneal exposure with opening and drainage of the abscess, depending on the location (intra- or retroperitoneal), size, and consistency of abscess con­tents.
Abscess in the Rectouterine Pouch
Corrective action: Drain the bladder. Repeat laparoscopy and drainage, or conventional transrectal drainage in lithotomy position. Note: Place the patient in a slight reverse Trendelenburg posi­tion to reduce the risk of spreading contamination during suc­tion and lavage.
Late Complications
Cecal Distension Syndrome (Fifth Day Syndrome)
Acute lower abdominal pain occurs in 1.5−3% of all patients be­tween postoperative days five and nine. Clinical symptoms in­clude leukocytosis between 10,000 and 20,000 without an in­crease in body temperature. Symptoms persist for two to three days. The distended non-abscessed cecum typically has a
round-shaped ultrasound image. The syndrome appears to be the result of thermal tissue damage with subsequent superficial necrosis. Corrective action: Nonoperative treatment, intravenous fluids with attention to electrolyte balance, and antibiotic therapy. Conventional laparotomy is indicated if peritonitis is present or suspected.
Postoperative Shoulder Pain Following Laparoscopy
The postoperative shoulder pain syndrome may require treat­ment. Corrective action: Treat symptoms with analgesics, ointments, and heat.
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10.2 Comments on Laparoscopic Appendectomy
K. Rückert
Since the introduction of laparoscopic surgery into daily prac-
tice, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become an established
routine procedure, whereas laparoscopic appendectomy and
the techniques utilized in this procedure (electrocautery, clips, and endo-GIA staplers) remain controversial. Conventional
open appendectomy may itself be regarded as a minimally inva­sive procedure, and the critical surgeon questions whether this routine operation justifies an expensive and time-consuming laparoscopic approach under emergency conditions. In many hospitals, laparoscopic appendectomy has been abandoned as a routine procedure because of its possible complications, some
of which can be serious. Many surgeons have not even begun to practice this new method, while other authors report negligible
complications in a broad range of indications. Whether the la­paroscopic approach provides measurable benefits to the patient and whether the new approach is as safe as the open procedure is open to question. The method is said to have the following advantages.
1. Avoiding a large incision by opening the abdomen only at
three points: In view of the small incision commonly made in an appendectomy, this advantage is not as great as, say, in
a cholecystectomy. Laparoscopy is a valuable alternate pro­cedure only in extremely obese patients or in patients with uncertain abdominal findings, in the presence of an equivo­cal diagnosis.
2. Prevention of infection of the abdominal wall: Our own ex­perience has shown that the incidence of septic wound com­plications is the same in both approaches, although the in­fection is generally less severe following laparoscopic inter­vention.
3. Excellent visualization: This is an invaluable advantage for resolving uncertain findings. Experimental studies are re­quired to ascertain whether the wide distension of the peri­toneal cavity associated with the pneumoperitoneum can lead to generalized contamination.
4. The comparatively short recovery period and early discharge from the hospital: Our experience has shown that patients feel sick for a longer time after laparoscopic appendectomy using bipolar electrocautery, by both subjective and objec­tive standards. Patients primarily report annoying flatulence and postoperative vomiting.