"Single-port" laparoscopic cholecystectomy--the Aberdeen technique.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the most frequently performed minimally invasive operation for general surgeons. The next step toward "scar-less" surgery uses a modified single multichannel port inserted through the umbilicus.


METHODS
The use of a single port requires modification of the currently established technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy with a single-port protocol. This new method presents a few technical difficulties and challenges compared with the conventional 3-port or 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We discuss maneuvers to help overcome these difficulties based on our initial experiences. All the data for the procedures that were performed were prospectively collected and analyzed.


RESULTS
Single port cholecystectomy was attempted in 30 patients (all females) with no intraoperative/postoperative complications from September 2008 to March 2008. In all, 20 of 30 patients had their operation completed with the use of a single port. An extra 5-mm epigastric port was required in 8 of the 20 patients. Another 2 of 20 patients required conversion of the operation into a standard laparoscopic technique (1x3-port and 1x4-port procedure). All the patients were discharged within 24 hours. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications or mortalities.


CONCLUSIONS
The single-port technique is feasible for performing routine laparoscopic procedures. With further advances in surgical technique, technology, and instrumentation, this technique can be reproduced to perform more complex biliary and other procedures in future.
MacDonald
Euan R
ER
Department of Surgery, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.
Alkari
Bassam
B
Ahmed
Irfan
I
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D041881:Cholecystitis, Acute / Q000601:surgery*; D003085:Colic / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult