Use of bipolar cautery as a novel technique for occluding appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is the gold standard method of treatment of acute appendicitis. Closure of appendicular stump is the most important step to prevent complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and feasibility of application of bipolar cautery as an effective method for appendicular stump closure.
Methods: The present study was conducted in Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad where 50 patients diagnosed with acute and recurrent appendicitis were subjected to laparoscopic appendectomy during June 2018 to May 2019 and followed up. The presented study, consist of identifying the appendix and coagulating the appendicular stump with bipolar coagulation until there were no bubbles, and a constriction ring formed at the site of coagulation.
Results: The median duration of surgery was 28.52 minutes. For acute appendicitis the mean operative time was 29.3 min & for recurrent appendicitis it was 28.59 min. Majority of patients were started on diet on the 1st post-operative day. No fatalities were encountered during the study.
Interpretation and Conclusion: We demonstrated in this study of 50 patients over 1 year period that laparoscopic appendectomy with the use of bipolar coagulation can be performed with minimum morbidity and less cost and without compromising any safety.