[Totally trans-umbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy: our experience]

Videoassisted surgery has recently led to a new era, aimed mainly at minimising surgical trauma and improving the cosmetic result. Natural Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) and Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) are emerging as effective techniques whose advantages and possible applications have been widely explored in the most recent literature. Twenty-two consecutive patients, mean age 51.5 years (range: 24-86 years), were subjected to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy through a single, trans-umbilical, incision (SILS). We utilised standard laparoscopic instruments, placing one 10 mm trocar for the camera and two 5 mm trocars for the operative instruments. Mean operative time was 69 min (range: 40 - 120 min). There were no major complications during surgery, and the postoperative recovery was uneventful. All patients referred complete satisfaction with the surgical and cosmetic result obtained 1 and 3 weeks postoperatively.