title: Mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy vs laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We set out to assess the safety and efficacy of mini-laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MLC) in uncomplicated situations.
  
  
  METHODS
  MLC was performed on 30 consecutive selected patients (< 60 years old, ASA I-II, uncomplicated cholecystectomy) with one 12-mm and three 3-mm ports. The total operating time, conversion rate, degree of postoperative pain, duration of postoperative hospital stay, complications, and cosmetic results were all reviewed and compared with 30 cases of consecutive conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
  
  
  RESULTS
  None of the patients in either group required conversion to open cholecystectomy. No complications were observed. The operating time and duration of hospital stay were similar in both groups. The level of postoperative pain was lower in the MLC group (p < 0.001). More patients in the MLC group expressed satisfaction with the cosmetic result (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MLC was shown to be feasible in uncomplicated situations. Furthermore, it was associated with less pain and produced better cosmetic results than conventional LC. Randomized studies are still needed to confirm these findings.
authors.affiliation: Institute of General Surgery and Surgical Therapy, Parma University School of Medicine, 14 Via Gramsci, 43100 Parma, Italy, Via Gramsci 14, 43100 Parma, Italy. leosarli@ipruniv.cce.unipr.it
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sarli
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Costi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sansebastiano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies