Is LigaSure Alone Sufficient for the Closure of the Appendix Stump?

This study evaluates the adequacy and safety of using LigaSure, an energy device employing bipolar sealing, for appendix stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with acute appendicitis. In a retrospective comparison of 77 adult patients, those whose appendix stumps were closed with LigaSure alone showed similar postoperative complication rates and appendix sizes compared to those closed with hemoclips, but had significantly shorter operation times. The findings suggest that LigaSure can effectively close the appendix stump in selected patients without complicated or prolonged symptoms, although caution is advised due to potential thermal injury risks. This study is among the first to compare LigaSure directly with other closure methods in humans, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective alternative since it does not require additional instruments beyond those used for mesoappendix dissection.