Transumbilical SILC Using Conventional Laparoscopic Instruments-Initial Experience in a Resource-Limited Setting

In the era of minimal access, single-incision laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity. Expensive ports, disposable hand instruments and flexible endoscopes have been utilised, but they increase the cost of operation. We report our initial experience of two-trocar single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) in 70 patients using conventional instruments that can be adapted as a novel technique in achieving minimal trauma and aesthetic results in resource-limited hospitals. Between September 2011 and September 2012, 70 consecutive patients underwent an attempted SILC in a single centre. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (range 18-65 years). There were 12 males and 58 females with a male-to-female ratio of 1:4.8. Transumbilical incision was used to access the abdomen, and two 10-mm ports/trocars were placed through the single incision side by side, maintaining a facial bridge of 5-8 mm in between. Gall bladder was manipulated through two strategically placed traction sutures to expose the Callot's triangle. Mean operation time in our series was 42.12 min (range 22-90 min). There was no need of additional sutures. Bleeding was minimal in nearly all cases. The mean hospital stay was 1.06 days (range 1-4 days). The post-operative analgesic requirement was one dose in 60.4 % patients. Additional port was required in two of our patients. Two patients needed conversion to open surgery. There was no major complication or mortality in our series. This technique of two-trocar SILC using conventional instruments can be adapted as a less invasive surgical procedure in resource-limited hospitals in selected group of patients. Cosmetic result, reduced pain, short hospital stay and the degree of satisfaction appear to be significant with this technique.