Single-port access cholecystectomy is a safe alternative to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective comparison of single-port access versus standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Purpose: As laparoscopic surgery develops, one current goal is the reduction of scarring and operative trauma to a minimum. Single-port access surgery (SPA) uses a single small incision hidden in the umbilicus. This report describes our experiences with 69 SPA cholecystectomies compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach. Methods: Within two years 69 SPA cholecystectomies were performed. Data including demographic distribution, incision to closure time, duration of the postoperative hospital stay, rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications, and conversion rates were collected retrospectively. Data for a matched control group treated by standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy were gathered within the same time frame and then compared. Results: There were no significant differences in the rates of intraoperative or postoperative complications in the SPA group when compared to the standard laparoscopy group. The incision-to-closure time strongly depended on the surgeon but did not depend on the method. The duration of postoperative hospital stay was slightly decreased in the SPA group. However, this effect was statistically not significant. Conclusions: For selected patient groups, SPA cholecystectomy is on par with the conventional laparoscopic method. The cosmetic advantage that it offers does not come at the cost of any loss of safety.