Laparoscopic transumbilical cholecystectomy: surgical technique.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically involves four ports via transperitoneal access.
• Advancements in laparoscopic surgery focus on reducing port size and number for enhanced minimally invasive techniques.
• Emerging approaches include minilaparoscopy, natural orifice access, and transumbilical methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a technique for laparoscopic transumbilical cholecystectomy.
• To evaluate the use of conventional laparoscopic instruments and ports for this approach.

Main Methods:

• A Veress needle was inserted through the umbilicus for carbon dioxide insufflation.
• A 5-mm trocar was placed periumbilically for the laparoscope, with two additional 5-mm periumbilical trocars.
• Conventional laparoscopic instruments were used throughout the procedure.

Main Results:

• Five transumbilical cholecystectomies were successfully performed.
• Mean operative time was 46.2 minutes with 55 mL blood loss.
• No intraoperative complications were observed, with a mean hospital stay of 19.2 hours.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic transumbilical cholecystectomy is feasible with conventional instruments.
• This technique presents a viable alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.