Cholecystectomy by minilaparotomy without muscle section: a short-stay procedure

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the results of cholecystectomy performed by an incision characterized by its small size and absence of muscle section, to minimize postoperative discomfort, and shorten hospital stay. Surgical access was via a transverse division of the linea alba extending 1.5-2 cm on the rectus sheath, on both sides, without section of muscle. One hundred and ninety-one patients were operated on. Only 1 (0.5%) peroperative complication (injury of cystic artery) and 4 (2%) benign postoperative complications occurred. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.4 +/- 1.7 days (range 2 to 12); for the 90 patients operated on in 1989-1990 it was 3.3 +/- 1.7 days (range 2 to 12). Long-term results were assessed in 113 patients. Only 1 (0.6%) complication occurred, namely migration of a retained common duct stone. Neither incisional hernias nor a need for reoperation occurred. The cosmetic results were assessed by the patients themselves as very good in 95 (84.1%) cases and good in 16 (14.2%) cases.