title: Mini-lap cholecystectomy: a viable alternative to laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the Third World?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) requires expensive equipment and special training. Mini-lap cholecystectomy (MLC) has no start-up costs but no large series from a single centre has been reported as the procedure is considered hazardous because of inadequate exposure of the surgical field.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed the outcome of 737 cholecystectomies performed through a 3-5-cm transverse subcostal incision and compared the results to published series of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The operating time (61.6 min; range 35-130), conversion rate (4%), rate of postoperative complications (3.6%), bile duct injuries (0.3%), number of analgesic doses required (3.4; range 3-8), duration of postoperative hospital stay (1.4; range 1-15 days), and the time off work (13.3 days; range 8-61) compare well with the reported results of laparoscopic and MLC. Ninety-three per cent of the patients were followed up for a median period of 28.4 months and none developed biliary stricture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mini-lap cholecystectomy is considered a safe, viable alternative to LC in the Third World.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Army Hospital (Referral and Research), Delhi, India. akms@nda.vsnl.net.in
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Rangan
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Choubey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies