Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is increasingly being employed to treat acute appendicitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the LigaSure (TM) Vessel Sealing System (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) in laparoscopic appendectomy. Patients and Methods: Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed using the LigaSure system in 15 patients who had a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results: In two patients, the operation was converted to open appendectomy. The mean operative time was 47 minutes (range, 22-120 minutes). There was no evidence of any complications related to the use of the LigaSure system. Neither surgical endoclips nor an endostapler were used in any patient. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy using the LigaSure system is a safe and efficient procedure for acute appendicitis. Use of the LigaSure system in laparoscopic appendectomy may simplify the operative procedure and reduce the operative time.
