Is There a Place for the Mini-Cholecystectomy in the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Era?

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the mini-laparotomy cholecystectomy (MC) and to compare it with the current gold standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Patients and methods:In this prospective study, 1854 consecutive patients with ultrasound proven symptomatic cholelithiasis, were recruited to study two different surgical techniques for cholecystectomy; the MC through a 5-7 cm muscle cutting incision (923 patients) and the 4 ports Laparoscopic technique (931 patients). Results:The groups were well matched for age and sex and presenting symptoms. The mean durations of surgery in both groups were similar. There was no significant difference in the conversion rates of both procedures. While there was a significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the time of return to normal activity, it was 13.9±7 days for MC and 7.6±6 days for LC (p=0.041). Conclusion:There is no superiority of one technique over the other. The MC is a safe procedure in experienced hands, applicable and effective therapeutic option for gallstone disease with comparable outcomes to the laparoscopic approach.