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Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Oxygen Insufflation to Reduce Incidence of Postoperative Abscess in Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Intra-abdominal abscess a well-known complication of both open and laparoscopic appendectomy, especially in the setting of perforated and gangrenous appendicitis. The reviewed literature cites an incidence of about 10%. Besides peri-operative antibiotic administration there have been few developments to reduce this inherent risk. Oxygen rich environments are potently bactericidal, and thus it is our hypothesis that establishing an oxygen rich ambience within the abdomen at the conclusion of laparoscopy could curtail bacterial growth and subsequent abscess formation.

In the experimental arm, at the conclusion of all surgical dissection and manipulation, the carbon dioxide insufflate will be exchanged with oxygen to generate a high intra-abdominal concentration. Oxygen will be infused for 15 seconds as CO2 is allowed to escape through the open trocars. In the control arm Co2 will be allowed to escape through the open trocar ports without any oxygen flush. Patients will receive a standardized operation as well as standard post-operative care and follow up.