Laparoscopic, three-port and SILS cholecystectomy: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background:

• Gallstone disease management often involves cholecystectomy.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a standard surgical procedure.
• Advancements in minimally invasive techniques aim to improve patient outcomes and cosmesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the outcomes of classic laparoscopic cholecystectomy, three-port cholecystectomy, and single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) cholecystectomy.
• To evaluate differences in operating time, complications, postoperative pain, hospitalization, and aesthetic results.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 159 patients with symptomatic gallstones (January 2010 - December 2012).
• Patients were divided into three groups: classic laparoscopic (57), three-port (51), and SILS (48).
• Comparison of key surgical and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Results:

• SILS cholecystectomy had a significantly longer mean operating time (93 minutes).
• No intraoperative complications were reported across all groups.
• SILS group showed significantly less postoperative pain at 3, 6, and 12 hours.
• Hospitalization duration did not differ significantly between groups.
• Superior aesthetic results were observed in the SILS group at 1 and 6 months.

Conclusions:

• SILS cholecystectomy is a feasible and safe option for selected patients.
• Key benefits include reduced postoperative pain and improved aesthetics.
• Requires a skilled surgical team due to technical challenges and longer operative times.
• Further research is needed to explore additional benefits of SILS.