Appendicoscopy using single-operator cholangioscope in the management of acute obstructive appendicitis: a novel alternative (with video)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of appendicoscopy using single-operator cholangioscopy (SOC) for the management of acute obstructive appendicitis. We describe 110 cases of acute obstructive appendicitis managed by appendicoscopy between January 2021 and June 2023. The success rate (technical + clinical), procedure time, time to relief abdominal pain using visual analogue scale (VAS), postoperative length of hospital stay, and complications rates were recorded and analyzed. The technical success rate of appendicoscopy was 96.4%; the clinical success rate was 91.8%. The mean procedure time was 20.9±10 minutes (standard deviation [SD]). The abdominal pain score at 6 hours after the procedure was ≤3 (VAS method) in 99.1% of the patients. The average length of postoperative hospital stay was 3.5±1.5 days. No adverse events occurred. Appendicoscopy appears to be a feasible and effective alternative therapy for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of acute obstructive appendicitis.