[Cholecystectomy followed by one inch minilaparotomy]

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Context:

• Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a common condition requiring surgical intervention.
• Conventional surgical methods for gallstones can involve longer recovery periods.
• There is a continuous need for improved surgical techniques that enhance patient recovery and reduce hospital stays.

Purpose:

• To introduce and evaluate a new surgical treatment for cholelithiasis utilizing a minilaparotomy approach.
• To assess the safety, efficacy, and recovery profile of this novel technique compared to conventional methods.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of intraoperative examination and management of choledocholithiasis through the minilaparotomy incision.

Summary:

• A new surgical procedure for cholelithiasis involves a small (2-3 cm) subcostal skin incision.
• Approximately 400 patients have been treated with comparable blood loss and operation times to traditional methods, with no significant complications.
• The technique allows for routine intraoperative examination via the cystic duct and facilitates postoperative recovery, reducing hospital stays to within 3 days, even for patients with choledocholithiasis.

Impact:

• Minimally invasive surgery for cholelithiasis significantly improves postoperative recovery and reduces length of hospital stay.
• This technique enables patients with choledocholithiasis to undergo minilaparotomy and achieve discharge within one week.
• The development represents a significant advancement in the surgical management of gallstone disease, prioritizing patient comfort and efficiency.