The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using 2-mm laparoscopic instruments in the treatment of appendicitis and to identify risk factors that may limit their use. Minilaparoscopic appendectomy was performed through a 2-mm port in the umbilicus for a videoendoscope, a 2-mm working port in the right upper quadrant, and a 5/12-mm suprapubic port for an endoscopic stapler. Minilaparoscopic appendectomy was attempted in 26 consecutive patients with appendicitis. Thirty-two consecutive patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic appendectomy with 5- and 10-mm instruments and videoendoscopes before the availability of 2-mm instrumentation were analyzed for comparison. Statistical comparisons were made by the Student t test and Fisher exact test. Differences were considered statistically significant at a P value less than 0.05. There were no conversions to an open appendectomy in the minilaparoscopic appendectomy or conventional laparoscopic appendectomy group. The mean operative time was 69.5 minutes for the minilaparoscopic appendectomy group and 85.5 minutes for the conventional laparoscopic appendectomy group (P = 0.02). The mean postoperative length of stay was 1.7 days for the minilaparoscopic appendectomy group and 2.5 days for the conventional laparoscopic appendectomy group (P = 0.08). There was no significant difference in the complication rates (P = 0.31). Minilaparoscopic appendectomy was completed in 13 (50.0%) patients. Independent risk factors (P = 0.05) for conversion to 5- or 10-mm ports were a retrocecal appendix and increasing patient age. There were no differences in the mean postoperative length of stay (P = 0.12) or complication rate (P = 0.39) between the two groups, but mean operative time was longer (P = 0.05) in the converted group. Perioperative outcomes for minilaparoscopic appendectomy are comparable to those of conventional laparoscopic appendectomy. The use of 2-mm instrumentation in the management of appendicitis is limited in patients with retrocecal appendicitis. Increasing patient age and a history of abdominal surgery may influence the need to convert 2-mm ports to 5- or 10-mm ports.
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