Safety of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

Abstract

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is a common procedure performed worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of SILC for acute cholecystitis.

Methods: Patients who underwent SILC between September 2012 and December 2016 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into acute and chronic groups. Demographic, operative and outcome data were obtained by reviewing medical records, physical examination and telephone follow-up.

Results: In total, 1435 patients were included in this study: 220 (15.3%) in the acute group and 1215 (84.7%) in the chronic group. The mean operative time was longer in the acute group than in the chronic group (44.7 ± 21.6 versus 32.8 ± 9.8 min; P < 0.001). Insertion of additional ports was performed in 17 patients: six in the acute group and 11 in the chronic group. Conversion to abdominal laparotomy was performed in eight patients: one in the acute group and seven in the chronic group. The mean post-operative hospital stay was 31.7 ± 20.4 h in the acute group and 27.7 ± 13.7 h in the chronic group. The complication rate was similar between the acute (n = 8, 3.6%) and chronic (n = 33, 2.7%) groups.

Conclusion: SILC does not increase the complication rate and is a safe and feasible technique for both chronic and acute cholecystitis.

Keywords: acute cholecystitis; cholecystectomy; gallbladder disease; laparoscopy; minimally invasive surgical procedure.