The "all-in-one" appendectomy: quick, scarless, and less costly.

Background: A technique for laparoscopic appendectomy (LAP APPY) that involves brief surgeon and operating room times, results in no appreciable scar, and requires few disposable supplies would be desirable.

Methods: During 2009, 508 children underwent LAP APPY at our institution including 398 (78%) for acute, non-perforated appendicitis. Our "all-in-one" operative procedure involves use of a single instrument through a side-arm viewing operative laparoscope which is inserted through a single, trans-umbilical port.