Management of appendix stump: The technique

Abstract

Introduction: Time and again the technique of appendectomy for acute appendicitis has been debated, and optimal management of the stump is still a matter of discussion. Thus, a study was proposed to compare two techniques of management of the stump i.e., simple ligation alone vs. ligation and invagination of the stump with purse string sutures. Aim: To compare and evaluate simple ligation alone with ligation and invagination of the stump during appendectomy. Materials and Methods: A total of 102 patients were included in this study. Each patient was alternately divided under two groups (Group A: Simple ligation of the stump and Group B: Ligation and invagination of the stump with purse string sutures). The two techniques were compared with respect to duration, intra-operative and post-operative complications. Results: It was observed that simple ligation is not only an equally safe a procedure, but is also better in terms of duration of the procedure, which was seen to be less in the case of simple ligation alone. Post-operative course as well as duration of hospital stay was similar in both the groups. Conclusion: Simple ligation is as good a technique as ligation and stump invagination with purse string sutures with respect to the results of the procedure.