The learning curve with single-port cholecystectomy

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Laparoscopic techniques
• Surgical innovation

Background:

• Single-port surgery is an emerging technique in laparoscopic procedures.
• Evidence regarding the learning curve and feasibility of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the learning curve and practicality of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• To compare outcomes of single-port cholecystectomy with the traditional 3-port technique.

Main Methods:

• Single-port cholecystectomy was performed on 20 consecutive patients using a Tri-Port system.
• A combination of straight and articulating instruments was utilized.
• Patient data were compared with a control group of 20 patients who underwent 3-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Main Results:

• Patient characteristics were similar between the single-port and 3-port groups.
• The mean operative time for 3-port cholecystectomy was 65.7 minutes.
• Single-port cholecystectomy showed a learning curve, with initial longer operative times improving to comparable levels (mean 68.2 minutes for last 15 cases) within approximately five cases. No major complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• Single-port cholecystectomy is a feasible and effective technique for various biliary diseases.
• The operative times for single-port cholecystectomy are comparable to traditional 3-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• A learning curve of approximately five cases is identified for mastering the single-port technique.