Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The authors describe their experience in performing cholecystectomy using mini-laparoscopy in selected cases of uncomplicated cholelithiasis. This involved making one 10 mm, one 5 mm and two 2 mm incisions.


METHODS
From July 1996 to August 1997, 60 cholecystectomies were performed using mini-laparoscopy, out of a total of 203 video-laparocholecystectomies performed during the same period.


RESULTS
Average length of the operations was 36 minutes from insertion of the first trocar to extraction of the gallbladder. All patients were discharged in the second day after surgery. No short-term intra- or post- operative complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The benefits of mini-cholecystectomy are potential advantages in improved appearance, reduced pain, better respiratory function, fewer wall complications. Therefore, the authors believe that mini-laparoscopy should not be assessed in terms of percentage of use or success, but rather considered as a part of the laparoscopic method to be used in selected cases.
Department of General Surgery, Genoa-Nervi Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
A
A
Faggioni
G
G
Moretti
A
A
Mandrini
P
P
Viazzi
A
A
Noceti
M
M
Faggioni
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000379:methods*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged