Single-port laparoscopic appendectomy versus conventional laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: a randomized controlled trial

Background Conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) is currently the gold standard operation for acute appendicitis even in cases of complicated appendicitis. Recently, advances in laparoscopic instruments enabled surgeons to perform intra-abdominal operations through a single incision around the umbilicus, in particular, single-port laparoscopy. Patients and methods This randomized, controlled open-label trial was conducted on 46 cases aged 20-45 years of both sexes, American Society Anesthesiologist physical status I and II diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Cases were classified into two equal groups: group single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) (n=23) who underwent SPLA and group CLA (n=23) who underwent CLA. Results The mean operative time was significantly longer in the SPLA technique compared with CLA (P<0.001). Hospital stay and pain scores were insignificantly different between both groups. Postoperative cosmetic satisfaction was significantly higher in the SPLA group compared with the CLA group (P<0.001). Postoperative complications were insignificantly different between both groups. Surgical site infection occurred in 9.52% of patients in the SPLA group and 4.35% of patients in the CLA group. Readmission due to ileus did not occur in the SPLA group, and 4.35% of patients were in the CLA group. Conclusions SPLA technique presented better patient cosmetic satisfaction while taking longer operation time compared with CLA. Both techniques were comparable in postoperative pain, hospital stay, and complications.