Transumbilical single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a simple technique: initial experience of 33 cases

Transumbilical single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a novel laparoscopic surgical technique for cholecystectomy utilizing only a transumbilical incision, which eliminates any visible abdominal scars and improves cosmesis. As the true single port laparoscopic technique, we presented an easy and feasible method for transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A total of 33 patients were presented for transumbilical single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A 1.5 cm incision was made at the umbilicus. We used one sterile glove and designed a simple method for this procedure. All the operations were completed successfully. The operative time of the first case was 189 min, the average time of the following two cases was 90 min, and the mean of the latest ten cases was 50 min. Operative blood loss was <30 ml for all patients. No drainage tube was placed and no postoperative complications such as bleeding or biliary leakage occurred after three to six months of follow-up. All the patients were discharged 24h after the operation. There were no visible scars on the abdominal wall at the second weekend. Transumbilical single port laparoscopic cholecystectomy by our designed methods was technically simple, feasible and safe. Furthermore, development of newer instruments, accumulation of experience and enhancement of operative technique may facilitate this new operative approach.