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Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is increasingly being employed to treat acute appendicitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing System (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) in laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients and Methods: Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed using the LigaSure system in 15 patients who had a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results: In two patients, the operation was converted to open appendectomy. The mean operative time was 47 minutes (range, 22–120 minutes). There was no evidence of any complications related to the use of the LigaSure system. Neither surgical endoclips nor an endostapler were used in any patient. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy using the LigaSure system is a safe and efficient procedure for acute appendicitis. Use of the LigaSure system in laparoscopic appendectomy may simplify the operative procedure and reduce the operative time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of acute appendicitis in elderly patients is increasing due to prolonged life span. The associated morbidity and mortality related to perforation of acute appendicitis continue to present challenges to physicians. The role of laparoscopic appendectomy is still controversial. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of elderly patients who received either a laparoscopic or an open appendectomy. We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients with acute appendicitis between January 2005 and February 2009. Elderly patients who received laparoscopic or open appendectomies were enrolled. The demographics, preoperative condition, operating time, intra-operative blood loss, and postoperative course were analyzed. A total of 150 patients were enrolled in this study. On average, patients who received a laparoscopic appendectomy had fewer hospital days and lower rates of postoperative ventilator dependence than patients who received an open appendectomy. In the management of elderly patients with acute appendicitis, laparoscopic appendectomy provides better outcomes than open appendectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]