Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy--initial experience with different multichannel ports

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively new minimally invasive surgical technique in treatment of benign gallbladder diseases. It is considered a bridge technique between conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and NOTES. We are presenting our initial experiences in SILC (single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Seventeen patients underwent SILC (11 women and 6 men) with an average age of 43 years. Mean BMI score was 29,4 kg/m2. The mean operative time was 93,5 minutes. There were conversions to conventional LC in two cases (11,6%). Average pain score measured on visual-analogue scale (VAS) 8 h after the operation was 2,00. All patients expressed satisfaction with achieved cosmetic effect. We conclude that SILC is safe and feasible procedure, with excellent cosmetic effect, but further prospective studies are required before SILC can be generally accepted.