The feasibility and safety of a three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a 2mm mini-instrument.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to show that this technique is feasible, safe and easily reproducible and to evaluate the selection criteria for a three-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a 2 mm mini-port (M-LC).

METHODOLOGY

Prospectively collected data from 133 patients who underwent LC for benign gallbladder disease were retrospectively reviewed. The patient's selection for M-LC was determined by the surgeon's judgment based on 'laparoscopic surgical view' after inserting the laparoscope in the operating room.

RESULTS

Seventy (52.6%) underwent M-LC (11 mm, 5 mm and 2 mm) and 63 patients with complicated gallbladder disease underwent conventional three-port LC (C-LC) (11 mm, 5 mm and 5 mm). Elective LC was performed in 77 of the 133 patients, and M-LC was conducted in 70 (90.9%) of 77 patients with symptomatic uncomplicated cholelithiasis or gallbladder polyps. There were no significant surgically related complications in both groups (p=0.28). No patients in the M-LC group required a conversion to an open cholecystectomy, but one case in the M-LC group required an additional port (5 mm) because of cystic artery bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

M-LC is a feasible, safe and nearly scarless procedure in the patients with uncomplicated gallbladder disease.