Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes Research

Background:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a standard procedure for gallbladder disease.
• Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has emerged as an alternative approach.
• Comparative studies are essential to evaluate SILC's efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare SILC and LC in terms of operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain, and complications.
• To assess the impact of body mass index on operative time in both procedures.
• To determine the suitability of SILC as a primary treatment for gallbladder disease.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized study involving 34 patients.
• Patients were divided into two groups: 17 undergoing SILC and 17 undergoing LC.
• Key outcome measures included estimated blood loss, operative time, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and complication rates.

Main Results:

• Operative time was significantly longer for SILC compared to LC (P<0.001).
• No statistically significant differences were observed between SILC and LC in VAS scores, estimated blood loss, shoulder pain, or complication rates (P>0.05).
• Body mass index did not significantly affect operative time in either group.

Conclusions:

• SILC demonstrates comparable safety and efficacy to LC for gallbladder disease, with no significant differences in blood loss, pain, or complications.
• Despite a potentially longer initial operative time, SILC can be considered a treatment of choice.
• Further research may explore surgeon learning curves and long-term outcomes for SILC.