Two-Port Laparoscopically Assisted Appendectomy in a Child with Use of the Ultrasonically Activated Endo-shear

Abstract

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is a safe alternative to open appendectomy for treating appendicitis in children. Different methods of LA have been used in children. Single-port laparoscopically assisted appendectomy (LAA) has been performed in children with simple appendicitis. However, this is sometimes not possible when the mesoappendix is short and the position of the appendix is retrocecal. The problem can be overcome with the use of two-port LAA and the new 5-mm ultrasonically activated shears (UAS) (AutoSonix™; Auto Suture, US Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, Connecticut). We describe the new technique with the UAS in a 5-year-old child with acute appendicitis.