Hybrid Single-Port Cholecystectomy in Children

Background and Objectives:

Multiple single-port or single-incision techniques have been successfully implemented for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in adults and children. These techniques require either a large multichannel port or a larger skin incision to accommodate multiple ports or instruments. Inspired by a first generation single-port instrument, we developed a safe and effective technique for a single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy with virtually scarless results.

Methods:

Over a 14-mo period, 20 patients (19 females, 1 male) underwent the hybrid single-port cholecystectomy. A straight 10-mm Storz telescope with inbuilt 6-mm working channel in combination with 2 portless 2.3-mm percutaneous graspers was used. The dissection is carried out with 43-cm bariatric length instruments. The cystic artery and duct are sealed with WECK Hem-o-lok clips or the Harmonic scalpel.

Results:

Range (mean) age: 7.7 y to 19.5 y (15.5), BMI: 11.6kg/m² to 42.3kg/m² (27), operative duration 48 min to 120 min (79), postoperative length of stay: 5 h to 78 h (24). Diagnosis: 13 patients cholecystolithiasis, 7 patients biliary dyskinesia. Conversion to conventional 4-port cholecystectomy was required in 2 patients. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusion:

The hybrid single-port technique is easy to master. It provides traditional anatomical exposure and allows application of conventional laparoscopic principles.     

Cost Assessment of Instruments for Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background and Objectives:

Specially designed surgical instruments have been developed for single-incision laparoscopic surgery, but high instrument costs may impede the implementation of these procedures. The aim of this study was to compare the cost of operative implements used for elective cholecystectomy performed as conventional laparoscopic 4-port cholecystectomy or as single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Two consecutive series of patients undergoing single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy were assessed: (1) single-incision cholecystectomy using a commercially available multichannel port (n=80) and (2) a modified single-incision cholecystectomy using 2 regular trocars inserted through the umbilicus (n=20) with transabdominal sutures for gallbladder mobilization (puppeteering technique). Patients who underwent conventional 4-port cholecystectomy during the same time period (n=100) were selected as controls.

Results:

The instrumental cost of the single-incision cholecystectomy using a commercial port was significantly higher (median, $1123) than the cost for conventional 4-port (median $441, P < .0005) and modified single-incision cholecystectomy (median $342, P < .0005). The cost of the modified single-incision procedure was significantly lower than that for the 4-port cholecystectomy (P < .0005).

Conclusion:

The modified single-incision procedure using 2 regular ports inserted through the umbilicus can be performed at lower cost than conventional 4-port cholecystectomy.     

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Combined Cholecystectomy and Appendectomy

Background and Objectives:

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is becoming more widely used, but few combined procedures have been reported. Herein we share our experience with single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy.

Methods:

We reviewed data from 26 patients who underwent single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy between May 1, 2009 and June 1, 2013 at Shengjing Hospital. All the procedures were performed with conventional laparoscopic instruments placed through a single operating portal of entry created within the umbilicus.

Results:

All the operations were successfully completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Patients were satisfied with the therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusions:

Single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy appear to be a technically feasible alternative to the standard laparoscopic procedure in simultaneous management of coexisting benign gallbladder and appendix pathologies. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.     

Transcystic Approach to Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration

Background and Objectives:

One-stage laparoscopic management for common bile duct stones in patients with gallbladder stones has gained wide acceptance. We developed a novel technique using a transcystic approach for common bile duct exploration as an alternative to the existing procedures.

Methods:

From April 2010 to June 2012, 9 consecutive patients diagnosed with cholelithiasis and common bile duct stones were enrolled in this study. The main inclusion criteria included no upper abdominal surgical history and the presence of a stone measuring <5 mm. After the gallbladder was dissected free from the liver connections in a retrograde fashion, the fundus of the gallbladder was extracted via the port incision in the right epigastrium. The choledochoscope was inserted into the gallbladder through the small opening in the fundus of the gallbladder extracorporeally and was advanced toward the common bile duct via the cystic duct under the guidance of both laparoscopic imaging and endoscopic imaging. After stones were retrieved under direct choledochoscopic vision, a drainage tube was placed in the subhepatic space.

Results:

Of 9 patients, 7 had successful transcystic common bile duct stone clearance. A narrow cystic duct and the unfavorable anatomy of the junction of the cystic duct and common bile duct resulted in losing access to the common bile duct. No bile leakage, hemobilia, or pancreatitis occurred. Wound infection occurred in 2 patients. Transient epigastric colic pain occurred in 2 patients and was relieved by use of anisodamine. A transient increase in the amylase level was observed in 3 patients. Short-term follow-up did not show any recurrence of common bile duct stones.

Conclusion:

Our novel transcystic approach to laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is feasible and efficient.     

The Learning Curve With Single-Port Cholecystectomy

Objectives:

Single-port surgery is a rapidly advancing technique in laparoscopic surgery. Currently, there is limited evidence on the learning curve and practicality of performing single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Single-port cholecystectomy was performed on 20 consecutive patients for biliary dyskinesia, symptomatic cholelithiasis, or acute cholecystitis. The Tri-Port was placed in the umbilicus, and a combination of straight and articulating instruments were utilized. Patient characteristics and outcomes were reviewed, and a comparison was made with the prior 20 consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed using the 3-port technique.

Results:

Characteristics were similar in both groups. The 3-port cholecystectomy had a mean time of 65.7 minutes, and patients had an average body mass index of 28.16. The first single-port cholecystectomy took 160 minutes with sequential improvement to the sixth case of 66 minutes with a mean of 68.2 minutes for the last 15 single-port cases. The average patient body mass index was 30.24. No major complications occurred.

Conclusion:

The largest series to date of single-port cholecystectomy for multiple degrees of biliary disease is presented. This study validates that this technique can be applied effectively and performed in comparable operative times to traditional 3-port cholecystectomy with a learning curve of approximately 5 cases.     

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Newer Techniques of Gallbladder Removal

Objectives:

To describe the surgical complications associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as performed by a single surgeon over an 8-year period and to discuss how this compares to newer methods of cholecystectomy, such as single-incision surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

Methods:

The charts of 1000 consecutive patients who underwent consecutive cholecystectomies were reviewed to gather the following information: age, sex, prior abdominal procedures, type of procedure performed (laparoscopic vs open, with or without cholangiography), pre and postoperative diagnosis, and complications directly related to surgical technique, such as biliary injury, bile leak, infection, trocar-related injury, and incisional hernia.

Results:

The laparoscopic approach was attempted in all but one patient and was successful in 94.1% of patients. The conversion rate was higher with acute cholecystitis than with other forms of biliary tract disease. Successful cholangiography was accomplished in over 97% of patients. Nineteen complications directly related to the surgical procedure were found, including one bile duct injury.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy continues to offer a safe and effective treatment for patients with symptomatic biliary tract disease. Although other forms of minimally invasive cholecystectomy are being studied, there is little data to suggest any additional benefit, other than a slight improvement in cosmesis. Until larger series demonstrate that these techniques have a complication rate similar to those cited in the surgical literature, traditional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy should remain the standard of care.     

Bile Duct Injury After Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background:

The advancement and development of laparoscopic cholecystectomy revolutionized surgery and case management. Many procedures are routinely performed laparoscopically. Single incision laparoscopic surgery has been introduced with the hope of further reduction of scarring and possibly procedural pain. With no established technique for this procedure, the safety of single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy has not been determined.

Methods and Results:

A 30-year-old man underwent single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis at an outside hospital. The operation was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home. The patient returned to the Emergency Department 4 days postoperatively, and a bile duct injury was diagnosed. A percutaneous drain was placed, and the patient was transferred to the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) service of a tertiary care center for definitive care. A delayed repair approach was used to allow the inflammation around the porta to decrease. Six weeks after injury, the patient underwent Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. The patient did well postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Although single incision laparoscopic surgery will play a prominent role in the future, its development and application are not without risks as demonstrated from this case. It is imperative that surgeons better define the surgical approach to achieve the critical view and select appropriate patients for single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Comparison of Outcomes After Single-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Relation to Patient Body Mass Index

Background and Objectives:

Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy may contribute to a paradigm shift in the field of laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery by providing patients with benefits beyond those observed after other surgical procedures. This study was designed to evaluate clinically meaningful differences in operative outcomes between obese and nonobese patients after single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Data were collected retrospectively from 172 patients who had undergone single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by the same surgeon at a single medical center between January and December 2011. For the outcome analysis, patients were divided into nonobese and obese patient groups according to their body mass index (<25 kg/m² vs ≥25 kg/m²).

Results:

Demographic and clinical data did not differ significantly between obese patients (n = 65) and nonobese patients (n = 107). In addition, statistically significant differences pertaining to most measured surgical outcomes including postoperative hospital stay, bile spillage, additional port use, and open conversion were not detected between the groups. However, the two groups differed significantly regarding operative time such that nonobese patients had shorter operative times than obese patients (P < .05).

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that operative time for single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy was the only difference between obese and nonobese patients. Given this result, body mass index may not be as relevant a factor in patient selection for single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy as previously thought.     

Single-Site Robotic Cholecystectomy

Background:

Laparoscopic single-incision surgery is fraught with significant technical drawbacks but has witnessed increased growth mainly for its presumed aesthetic advantages. Recently, a single-site robotic platform has been introduced to alleviate some of the technical challenges with laparoscopic single-site surgery, although literature on this topic is scant. The aim of this study is to analyze the experience of a single surgeon with single-site robotic cholecystectomies since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave its approval in December 2011, and to evaluate the robotic platform''s safety and short-term surgical outcomes.

Methods:

From February 1st 2012 to February 28th 2013, patients who underwent single-site cholecystectomy at an academic institution in the United States were retrospectively reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, body mass index, previous surgeries, total operative time, port insertion time, docking time, console time, estimated blood loss, closure time, conversion to open or multiport approach, postoperative outcomes for wound infection, bile leak, biliary ductal injury, right hepatic artery injury, reoperations, readmission, and mortality. Indication for cholecystectomy was symptomatic gallbladder disease. No exclusion criteria were used and no cost analysis was performed.

Results:

During the study period, 31 patients were enrolled. The mean patient age, body mass index, weight, and operative time was 33.6 years, 32.2 kg/m², 86.3 kg, and 81.4 minutes, respectively. There were no conversions to the open or traditional multiport approach, and no major complications of biliary ductal or hepatic artery injury, bile leak, reoperations, or mortality occurred. There was 1 case of superficial wound infection.

Conclusions:

Single-site robotic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe and requires a minimal learning curve to transition from traditional multiport to single-port robotic cholecystectomy.     

Laparoscopic Splenectomy Coupled with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background and Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of laparoscopic surgery performed for coexisting spleen and gallbladder surgical diseases.

Methods:

Between May 2004 and October 2012, 12 patients underwent concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy. Indications for surgery included idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in 5 patients, hereditary spherocytosis in 4 patients, and thalassemia intermedia in 3 patients.

Results:

The mean operative time was 100 minutes (range, 80–160 minutes), and the blood loss ranged from 0 to 150 mL (mean, 50 mL). The mean longitudinal diameter of the spleen was 14 cm. One patient required conversion to open procedure. An accessory spleen was detected and removed in one case. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 days. No deaths or other major intraoperative and/or postoperative complications occurred.

Conclusion:

Provided that the technique is performed by an experienced surgical team, concomitant laparoscopic splenectomy and cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible procedure and may be considered for coexisting spleen and gallbladder diseases.     

Aberrant Presentation of the Gallbladder During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background:

Aberrant gallbladder transposed to the left side is a rare congenital anomaly that has been seen in as many as 0.7% of the population. These gallbladders are situated under the left lobe of the liver between Segment III and IV and to the left of the falciform ligament. Many preoperative studies fail to identify the anomaly, causing confusion to the surgeon during laparoscopic resection. Selective use of intraoperative cholangiography and meticulous dissection can aid in safe resection.

Methods:

A 61-year-old female was admitted with ultra-sound confirmation of cholecystitis and subsequently taken to the operating room for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results:

Evaluation of the gallbladder under laparoscopic view revealed an inflamed left aberrant gallbladder. An intraoperative cholangiogram was obtained to delineate the biliary anatomy that showed the cystic duct entering the common hepatic duct on the right side.

Conclusion:

A left aberrant gallbladder is a rare presentation that requires awareness of biliary anatomy and selective use of intraoperative cholangiography to aid in the safe laparoscopic resection of the gallbladder.     

Acute Cholecystitis is an Indication for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Study

Objective:

Acute cholecystitis has been considered as a relative or absolute contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study is to present our experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a safe and effective treatment of acute cholecystitis.

Methods:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was offered to 34 consecutive patients with acute calculous cholecystitis, diagnosed according to strict clinical and ultrasonographic criteria. We used only three trocars. The gallbladder was routinely aspirated and sharp graspers were used. We adopted the fundus-first method of dissection when safe identification of the Calot'' s triangle was difficult. The cystic duct was ligated whenever necessary.

Results:

The procedure was completed in 31 patients. The mean length of the laparoscopic procedure was 43 minutes, their mean hospital stay was 2.8 days. For the open group the mean length of the operative procedure was 66 minutes, while the mean hospital stay was 5.3 days. The overall morbidity rate was low.

Conclusions:

The benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be safely extended to patients with acute cholecystitis. The operation must be done early in the course of the disease. The surgeon should have adequate laparoscopic experience and maintain a low threshold for conversion to open exploration. Modifications in technique should be adopted to achieve a successful outcome.     

Factors Influencing the Successful Completion of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objective:

To analyze the preoperative factors contributing to the decision to convert laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Retrospective identification of 324 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with univariate and multivariate analysis of the following parameters: age, gender, obesity, previous abdominal surgery, presentation with acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis or obstructive jaundice, gallbladder wall thickening, gallbladder or common bile duct stones.

Results:

Thirty-nine patients (12%) underwent conversion to open cholecystectomy. Patients aged over 65 years were four times more likely to require conversion than patients under 50 years of age. Under 50 years of age, males had equal conversion rates to females, and above this age there was a non-significant increased conversion rate in males. Obese patients had higher conversion rates than non-obese patients (23% versus 9%, P < 0.003). Thirty-eight percent of patients with choledocholithiasis required conversion. Age, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis independently predicted conversion. A patient aged less than fifty years with neither acute cholecystitis nor choledocholithiasis had a conversion rate of just 2%, while almost 60% of those over 65 years of age with acute cholecystitis or choledocholithiasis required conversion.

Conclusion:

The parameters of age, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis must be considered in the clinical decision making process when planning laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Resident Training in Single-Incision Compared with Traditional Cholecystectomy

Introduction:

As attending surgeons'' comfort with single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) grows, and with continued improvement in surgical instruments, advanced laparoscopic techniques are increasingly being incorporated into surgical training. The aim of our study was to evaluate resident performance and patient outcomes in patients undergoing resident-performed SILS versus a resident-performed traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods:

A retrospective case-control study of 80 patients undergoing elective surgical intervention with a resident-performed SILS (n = 20) or a resident-performed traditional LC (n = 60) for gallbladder disease over a 15-month period was performed. Surgical indications, common perioperative variables, complications, and length of stay were reviewed, and all variables were evaluated for statistical significance.

Results:

Median operative times were similar for the resident-performed SILS cohort and the resident-performed traditional LC cohort (70.0 minutes and 66.0 minutes, respectively; P = .54). There were no complications in either the resident-performed SILS or resident-performed traditional LC groups. There was no difference in mean length of hospital stay between the resident-performed SILS group and resident-performed traditional LC group (0.95 days and 1.10 days, respectively; P = .50).

Conclusion:

Our data strongly support the ability to train senior residents to complete a SILS technique safely and with the same efficacy as with traditional LC.     

Acalculous gallbladder disease: the outcomes of treatment by laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of symptomatic patients with the presence of gallstones is well established, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy being the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis. The results of surgery in symptomatic patients without gallstones are highly variable. These patients are often referred to as having acalculous gallbladder disease and represent between 5% and 30% of laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed annually. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acalculous gallbladder disease in our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the period from February 2005 to January 2006 where 20 laparoscopic cholecystectomies had been performed specifically for a preoperative diagnosis of acalculous gallbladder disease. The histology of all laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed during this year was analysed and it was found that a further 46 patients had histological specimens that demonstrated the absence of gallstones in the presence of an intact gallbladder specimen. These patients were therefore included in the study group for acalculous gallbladder disease. All patients were sent a questionnaire comparing their state of health before and after surgery.

RESULTS

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 66% of patients were completely pain free. The remainder, however, experienced infrequent, moderate pain with occasional pain on eating. Following surgery, all patients were able to conduct their activities of daily living without any limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

We therefore conclude that laparoscopic surgery for patients with acalculous gallbladder disease is effective in symptom control and allowing patients to return to their normal lifestyle.     

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Children: A Report on 114 Consecutive Cases

Objectives:

Since pediatric cholelithiasis is uncommon, to date there have not been any large series reporting the results of laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed in children. However, at our institution, the combination of an early commitment to laparoscopic techniques for children and access to a large population of pediatric patients with sickle cell disease have provided a significant experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children. This report reviews that experience.

Methods and Procedures:

The charts of all patients on the pediatric surgical service who underwent attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy were reviewed. Data were abstracted pertaining to clinical history, diagnosis, operative technique, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and long-term outcome. Umbilical Hasson trocar placement with three additional trocars, along with cholangiography through the gallbladder, was the operative technique utilized.

Methods and Results:

From December 1990 through October 1997, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was attempted in 114 patients, ranging in age from 6 months to 23 years (mean 12.3 years). Hemolysis from sickle cell disease was the predominant etiology, occurring in 83 patients (73%). Ninety patients (80%) presented with cholelithiasis, 21 (18.2%) with choledocholithiasis, and only two (1.8%) with acute cholecystitis. Only 3 patients (2.6%) required conversion to open cholecystectomy: one due to massive hepatomegaly, one due to a very short cystic duct and the third due to the patient''s small size (6 months old) early in our series. One patient underwent reexploration for intra-abdominal bleeding following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and no patient suffered a bile duct injury or required management of a biloma. Postoperative length of stay average was 2.5 days, with 80% of patients discharged within 48 hours. Significant postoperative complications included a retained common bile duct stone noted four months postoperatively (which was successfully removed endoscopically) and one trocar site hernia in a child with cystic fibrosis. Three children expired (2.6%), but their deaths were not related to their biliary tract surgery.

Conclusions:

This report represents the largest series of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children to date. It confirms that this operation can be performed safely in children of all ages with avoidance of bile duct injuries and should be considered the gold standard in the management of pediatric cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis.

• JSLS. 1998 Oct-Dec; 2(4): 385–388.
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• Laparoscopy in the Management of Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding of Obscure Origin in Children

1998 Oct-Dec; 2(4): 385–388.

Laparoscopy in the Management of Gastro-Intestinal Bleeding of Obscure Origin in Children

C.K. Yeung, MD, K.H. Lee, MD, W.T. Ng, MD, Y.H. Tam, MD, and K.F. Yip, MD Copyright and License information DisclaimerCopyright notice     

Incidence of Port-Site Incisional Hernia After Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

Background and Objectives:

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity among minimally invasive surgeons and is now being applied to a broad number of surgical procedures. Although this technique uses only 1 port, the diameter of the incision is larger than in standard laparoscopic surgery. The long-term incidence of port-site hernias after single-incision laparoscopic surgery has yet to be determined.

Methods:

All patients who underwent a single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedure from May 2008 through May 2009 were included in the study. Single-incision laparoscopic surgical operations were performed either by a multiport technique or with a 3-trocar single-incision laparoscopic surgery port. The patients were seen at 30 to 36 months'' follow-up, at which time they were examined for any evidence of port-site incisional hernia. Patients found to have hernias on clinical examination underwent repairs with mesh.

Results:

A total of 211 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the study. The types of operations included were cholecystectomy, appendectomy, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, and gastrojejunostomy. We found a port-site hernia rate of 2.9% at 30 to 36 months'' follow-up.

Conclusion:

Port-site incisional hernia after single-incision laparoscopic surgical procedures remains a major setback for patients. The true incidence remains largely unknown because most patients are asymptomatic and therefore do not seek surgical aid.     

Granulomatous Peritonitis After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background:

Granulomatous peritonitis may indicate a number of infectious, malignant, and idiopathic inflammatory conditions. It is a very rare postoperative complication, which is thought to reflect a delayed cell-mediated response to cornstarch from surgical glove powder in susceptible individuals. This mechanism, however, is much more likely to occur with open abdominal surgery when compared with the laparoscopic technique.

Methods:

We report a case of sterile granulomatous peritonitis in an 80-y-old female after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Management was conservative, and no relapse was observed after over 1-y of follow-up.

Discussion:

We propose that peritoneal exposure to bile acids during the laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder was the trigger of granulomatous peritonitis in this patient. Severe complications, such as peritoneal adhesions, intestinal obstruction, and fistula formation, were observed, but no fatalities were reported.

Conclusion:

We should be aware of this rare cause of peritonitis in the surgical setting.     

Laparoscopic Appendectomy and Cholecystectomy During Pregnancy: Six Case Reports

Background:

Pregnancy was once considered a contraindication to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy. The progression of laparoscopic techniques has resulted in a continued reassessment of laparoscopic procedures during pregnancy. There still exists some controversy as to the safety of laparoscopic procedures during pregnancy. This paper reviews our series of six pregnant patients treated laparoscopically for appendicitis and cholecystitis.

Methods:

Charts were reviewed of all pregnant patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy or appendectomy at St Clare''s Hospital Schenectady, New York between 1992 and 1996. Six patients were identified. Patients and obstetricians were contacted to investigate the results of the pregnancy.

Results:

All patients and fetuses survived the procedure. Two patients delivered prematurely but remote from the operative procedure. All infants were healthy postpartum. One patient underwent an elective abortion as she had planned. The abortion was remote from the surgical procedure.

Conclusion:

Our series adds to the growing evidence that laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy can be performed safely during pregnancy.     

Single Port Access (SPA) Cholecystectomy: Two Year Follow-up

Introduction:

Laparoscopy is a constantly evolving field of surgery. New technology, applications, and benefits prompt continual improvement. We have developed a Single Port Access (SPA) surgical technique that allows for the entire cholecystectomy to be performed through a single incision within the umbilicus while maintaining safe standard dissection and retraction techniques of currently performed multi-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods:

Fifteen consecutive patients underwent SPA cholecystectomy. Indications were cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, CBD stones, and biliary akinesia. The entire procedure was performed through a single umbilical incision measuring <1.8 cm within the umbilicus. Three trocars and a rigid grasper were inserted through separate fascial sites within the same skin incision. The cholecystectomy procedures are then performed in the standard fashion described in multi-port cholecystectomy.

Results:

Fifteen patients successfully underwent Single Port Access cholecystectomy. One patient required a second 5-mm port site secondary to difficulty with retraction of a large liver. Operative times averaged 107 minutes. Blood loss, patient recovery, and outcomes have been comparable to those of standard multi-port procedures. No umbilical hernias have been seen at 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion:

We present the SPA cholecystectomy as an alternative to multi-port cholecystectomy. In the first 2 years, SPA surgery has evolved into a technique easily taught and performed without the restrictions of new equipment or added cost.