Port Site Morbidities Following the Extraction of the Gallbladder from the Umbilical Port in Comparison to the Epigastric Port in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Port site morbidities after laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be related to the port used for the extraction of the gallbladder. Prior randomized trials that tried to address the suitable port for gallbladder extraction showed mixed results favouring epigastric, whereas others favoured umbilical. Thus, the present study was conducted with the aim of finding a suitable port for gallbladder extraction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methodology A total of 104 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to either the epigastric (Group 1) or umbilical (Group 2) port group for gallbladder extraction. Post-operative pain (by visual analogue scale (VAS)), the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI), and port site herniation were compared. Results Post-operative pain was lower in the umbilical port group in the initial 24 hours. The SSIs and port site herniation rates were lower in the umbilical port group; however, they were statistically not significant. Conclusion Less post-operative pain at the umbilical port may help with the early discharge of patients. In contrast to other studies, our trial had fewer infections and hernias in the umbilical port group.

Keywords: cholecystectomy; epigastric port; port site pain; symptomatic gallstones; umbilical port.

Figure 1. CONSORT diagram

CONSORT: Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials

Figure 2. Line diagram showing variation in the mean pain score (±SD) by VAS with time

VAS: visual analogue score