Single-port laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy using the nephroscope for percutaneous nephrolithotomy at low cost

Context Laparoscopic appendectomy had been accepted over the last years, as a goal of improved diagnostic accuracy and wound complication rate, over the open procedure. However, the new techniques require single port and manoeuverable instruments, which are expensive. In this study, the cost of single-port laparoscopic appendectomy is reduced through conventional instrumentation using a side-arm viewing operative laparoscope, which is the nephroscope used for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Aim The aim of this study was to present the retrospective experience of reducing the cost of single-port laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy using the nephroscope for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Settings and designs The study design was a retrospective case series one. Materials and methods Our study was conducted between December 2014 and August 2015. The study included 40 patients with clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Patients with complicated appendicitis, obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) and those who needed the insertion of another port were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis Continuous variables were expressed as mean and SD. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies and percentage. Results The study included 40 patients, 24 (60%) male and 16 (40%) female. The mean operative time was 35±12 min. The age of participants ranged between 8 and 25 years. There was no significant perioperative morbidity or mortality. The mean follow-up period was 6 months. Conclusion Our experience with this technique of single-port laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy using the nephroscope for percutaneous nephrolithotomy demonstrates its feasibility and safety at a very low cost.