OBJECTIVE: Conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) involves the use of four ports, but the number of ports has gradually been reduced to one for cosmetic reasons. however, single-incision LC is technically demanding, and there is a substantial learning curve associated with its successful application. The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a less demanding alternative LC technique with a faster learning curve.
METHODS: This prospective descriptive study was performed from September 2009 to February 2011 at Sultanah Bahiyah hospital in Kedah, Malaysia. A total of 58 patients underwent two-incision threeport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TILC), which was performed by the senior consultant hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeon and two hepato-pancreato-biliary trainees. Study end points included operative time, postoperative pain, length of hospital stay and early postoperative complications. The follow-up period was 4 weeks.
RESULTS: The overall operative time taken was 44 ± 18 minutes. none of the patients had major complication or incisional hernia postoperatively. All but one of the patients were discharged within 24 h. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the main postoperative analgesic used.
CONCLUSION: TILC is feasible and safe cholecystectomy technique.
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.