Two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy: initial results of a modified technique

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been reported to be safe and feasible with a higher patient satisfaction score. However, it was technically difficult even in expert hands because of the small operating field. We have modified the operating telescope to achieve a wide field of view. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since September 2000, 14 patients have been enrolled for two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The male to female ratio was 5:9. The median age was 54.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 45-67.75 years). RESULTS: The median operative time was 53 minutes (IQR 38-61 minutes). Two patients required one additional 5-mm port or a traction suture because of dense adhesions. There was no conversion to open surgery. The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (IQR 1-2.25 days). The median oral postoperative analgesia requirement was 1 dose (IQR 0-3 doses). There were no major or minor complications, and there were no deaths. CONCLUSION: The modified two-port technique greatly facilitates two-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and improves the clinical outcome.