[Comparison between transvaginal and laparoscopic cholecystectomy - a retrospective case-control study]

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) appears to be established in specialised surgical centres. Potential advantages of these operating techniques include surgery without scars as well as faster and more comfortable recovery. However, to date there are no controlled studies evaluating the assumed advantages of NOTES compared with both minimally invasive and open surgery. PATIENT / MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective case-controlled study 47  women undergoing transvaginal cholecystectomy (TV-ChE) have been compared with 46 women undergoing conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LAP-ChE). Both groups were evaluated with regard to intraoperative respiratory and oxygenation parameters, pain intensity and need for analgesics postoperatively, rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), duration of stay in recovery room as well as hospital stay.

Demographic data of both groups were comparable to a great extent. However, in comparison with the women of TV-ChE group those of the LAP-ChE group were 5  years older on average (49 ± 15 vs. 54 ± 16  years). Even so, there were no differences in preoperative risk assessment (ASA classification) as well as intraoperative respiratory and haemodynamic parameters. Compared to the LAP-ChE group, women of TV-ChE group reported less postoperative pain (p < 0.001), less nausea or vomiting (p < 0.001) and a lower analgesic consumption in both opiates (p < 0.001) and non-opiates (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the duration of stay in recovery room was shorter in the TV-ChE group (40  minutes vs. 60  minutes, p < 0.001). Hospital stay in the TV-ChE group was 3  days on average compared to 4  days for the LAP-ChE group. The rate of general and surgical complications was lower in TV-ChE group (1 / 47) compared to the LAP-ChE group (4 / 46). In 9  women undergoing transvaginal cholecystectomy negligible vaginal bleeding was seen which stopped spontaneously in each case.

The transvaginal cholecystectomy is a safe and less invasive surgical technique. Compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there seem to be some advantages such as better cosmetic results, lower need for analgesics, faster mobilisation, more comfortable recovery and shorter hospital stay. These effects should be confirmed in prospective controled studies.