Background and objectives: Titanium DS clips are made to secure the appendiceal stump during laparoscopic appendectomy. The assumption is that they behave like stapler clips in the body, being made from titanium. However, the construction and weight of DS clips differs from staplers. Their biocompatibility may have implications for their clinical use.
Methods: One hundred and twenty rats were randomized into four experimental groups: in the first group the appendiceal stump was secured by Vicryl® ligature, in the second by linear staplers, in the third by Hem-o-lok® plastic clips, and in the fourth by DS titanium clips. Ten animals from each group were sacrificed 7, 28, and 60 days post-surgery. Histopathological data and adhesion formation were assessed.
Results: On postoperative day 7, a statistically significant difference was found in the occurrence of inflammation between the Hem-o-lok® and stapler groups. The adhesion score was significantly higher in the Vycril® and Hem-o-lok® in comparison to the DS and stapler groups. On postoperative day 28, a statistically significant difference was found in the occurrence of inflammation between the Vycril® and stapler groups. The adhesion score was significantly higher in the Vycril® than in the DS and stapler groups. On postoperative day 60, there were no statistical differences between any of the groups. The adhesion score was significantly higher in the Hem-o-lok® group in comparison to the DS and stapler groups.
Conclusion: Staplers and DS clips have advantages over other methods of securing the appendiceal stump, because of their high biocompatibility and lower adhesion score.
Keywords: Clips; Endoloop; Laparoscopic appendectomy; Stapler.
© 2021 by SLS, Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons.