Zaragoza technique of laparoscopic appendicectomy

INTRODUCTION: Appendectomy is one of the most frequent emergency surgical procedures, currently with a preference for laparoscopic management worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To report a new laparoscopic appendectomy technique and its results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of appendicitis who are managed laparoscopically. In a total 1063 patients, 148 were operated on with the Zaragoza technique during the period from January 2002 to December 2018. The technique consists of making a window in the appendicular base between the meso and the appendicular wall, two prolene or silk sutures are placed, and the cecal appendix is cut between the two sutures, finally the mesoappendix is sectioned with a harmonic scalpel or bipolar clamp. RESULTS: From our results, we had 1.4% residual abscesses, 1.4% umbilical surgical wound infection and 0% mortality. DISCUSSION: Various laparoscopic management methods for appendectomy are reported in the literature, with a wide range in the results. We have obtained good results in patients subjected to our technique. CONCLUSIONS: The Zaragoza technique for laparoscopic appendectomy is an effective and safe option that prevents excessive manipulation of the inflamed appendix and is easily reproducible.