There are several techniques described to close the appendicular stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and usefulness of the Hem-o-lok clip for the closure of appendicular stump, comparing these data with those concerning the endo-loop. We conducted a retrospective study that compared two groups of patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy from 2010 to 2015 at our institution. We used the Endoloop to close the stump in the first group (group I) and the Hem-o-lok in the second group (group II). We reviewed patient's data including: complications, operative time, length of stay, costs. There were 121 patients in group I and 138 patients in group II. The mean operative times were 40.5 min in group I and 36.4 min in the group II. No intraoperative complications and no mortality were observed in either group. The mean postoperative length of hospital stay was similar for both groups. There was no rehospitalization after discharge. The complication rate did not reach statistical significance between the groups. The cost of the procedure using the Hem-o-lok has been lower than using the Endoloop. Both the Endoloop and Hem-o-lok are safe for the closure of the appendicular stump. Hem-o-lok appears to be superior than Endoloop in terms of easeness of use and cheapness, maintaining the same safety.
Keywords: Appendicitis; Appendicular stump; Clip; Endoloop; Hem-o-lok; Laparoscopic appendectomy.