Cholecystectomy via Kocher incision without peritoneal closure

This investigation was carried out to evaluate the surgical wound outcome of patients who underwent cholecystectomy via Kocher incision, without peritoneal closure. Consecutive patients (n = 129) were randomized either to have the peritoneal closure (n = 66) or to have this step omitted (n = 63). Demographic data of the patients were similar in both groups. There were no significant differences in overall wound complication (p = 0.44), wound infection (p = 0.71), wound dehiscense (p = 0.96) and incisional hernia (p = 0.95). This study provides strong evidence that the avoidance of the peritoneal closure represents no adverse effect to the postoperative course of the patients.