Glove Finger Method to Prevent Wound Infection in Children Undergoing Transumbilical Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Transumbilical laparoscopic appendectomy (TULA) is increasingly favored in the treatment of appendicitis within the realm of minimally invasive surgical approaches. This procedure offers advantages such as superior cosmetic outcomes and reduced postoperative pain. However, like all surgical interventions, it carries the inherent risk of surgical site infections (SSI), which pose significant challenges to patient health and healthcare systems by escalating treatment costs, prolonging recovery, and increasing morbidity rates. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the "glove finger method" in mitigating SSI risk in TULA.

The rationale for this study is predicated on the hypothesis that the glove finger method could serve as a simple and cost-effective measure offering potential protection against SSIs. When compared to traditional methods, this technique may not only reduce surgical duration but also diminish the risk of SSIs, thereby potentially decreasing hospital stay durations. Furthermore, enhancing the understanding of factors contributing to the development of SSIs and developing effective strategies for their prevention can elevate patient care quality and alleviate the burden on healthcare systems.

This study will compare transumbilical laparoscopic appendectomy (TULA) methods applied to pediatric patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis at our clinic. Employing a randomized controlled design, the study aims to assess the efficacy and safety differences between two distinct surgical techniques currently in practice.

The study will adopt a randomized, controlled, and prospective design. Patients will be randomly allocated into two groups based on the treatment methods:

Group 1: Standard TULA Group: In this group, patients will undergo the standard TULA procedure through a 15 mm trocar port in the umbilical region. The procedure will involve locating the appendix and removing it via an extracorporeal approach.