Clips closure versus endoloop ligation in laparoscopic appendectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

INTRODUCTION: Appendiceal stump closure (ASC) is a key step in performing laparoscopic appendicectomy. Currently, there is no gold standard method to achieve this goal. The ideal method should be safe, easily available, and have a short learning curve. Out of all those appendiceal stump closure methods, the use of hem-o-Lok demonstrates its feasibility in replacing the traditionally used endoloop. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors aim to review the currently available evidence addressing the topic of interest. METHOD: The PubMed and Embase databases were searched with the paired search terms appendicitis, clip, and endoloop by two authors separately. The quality of the randomized controlled trials was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the quality of the observational studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Meta-analysis was conducted with Cochrane Review Manager version 5.4. RESULT: Eighteen studies were included for quantitative analysis. The appendiceal stump closure time was shortened by 2 min 7 s using a hem-o-lok with 95% CI 1 min 48 s–2 min 26 s, p less than 0.00001. The pooled results of 6 randomized controlled trials demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in operative time of 5.15 min from adopting the hem-o-lok approach (p=0.001, 95% CI −2.05 to −8.24 min). Both endoloop and hem-o-lok demonstrated a comparable postoperative hospital stay and infective complication profile. CONCLUSION: The application of Hem-o-Lok demonstrates a comparable to endoloop ligation in terms of operative time and a potential benefit on the complication. When considering financial and technical aspects, it serves as an alternative to endoloop.