Initial experience with single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedures are being developed with the goal of improving cosmesis, reducing postoperative pain, and increasing patient satisfaction. We performed this study to evaluate our initial experience with single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We used an infraumbilical incision with two upper low-profile 5-mm ports and one lower standard 5-mm port and either a standard 30 degrees Storz laparoscope or an Olympus deflectable tip laparoscope. All patients were followed postoperatively to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of the procedure. A total of 60 gallbladders were successfully removed by this method (95.2% success rate). Three cases were converted to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (4.8% conversion rate) with no conversion to open cholecystectomy. There were no major complications (bile duct injury, liver injury, bowel injury, biliary leak). Median operative time was 51 +/- 21 minutes. Diagnoses included cholelithiasis (55%), biliary dyskinesia (32%), biliary colic (13%), and one case of gangrenous cholecystitis. Median patient age was 47 years with a strong female predominance (87%). Our initial experience demonstrates that single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is effective and safe. We are confident that single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a viable alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.