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Randomized trial of needlescopic versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy
1Minimally Invasive Surgical Centre, Department of Surgery, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074.
Background:
Several studies have reported the feasibility of using 'needlescopic' instruments with a diameter less than 3 mm in minimally invasive surgery. This study reports a comparison of needlescopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with symptomatic chronic cholelithiasis were randomized to needlescopic (n = 37) or laparoscopic (n = 38) cholecystectomy.
Results:
The duration of surgery in the two groups was similar. Patients in the needlescopic group had less pain (mean visual analogue score 2.2 versus 3.6; P < 0.003) and had smaller scars (median length 17.0 versus 25.0 mm; P < 0.001). In addition, patients in the needlescopic group tended to require fewer intramuscular pethidine injections (P = 0.05). However, oral analgesic requirements in the two groups were similar. There were no complications in either group.
Conclusion:
Needlescopic cholecystectomy resulted in less postoperative pain and a smaller surgical scar than laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with chronic cholecystitis.