title: Gas-free single-port transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystolithotomy: preliminary report on eight cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To explore the feasibility and safety of gas-free single-port transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystolithotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  An incision of 1.5-2.0 cm was made through all layers of the umbilicus, and a specially designed silicone plug with three 5-mm ports was inserted. The surgical space was created by lifting the right abdominal wall with an abdominal suspension set. A laparoscope, S-type dissector, grasper,electric needle, and needle-holder were used to perform a cholecystolithotomy. The procedure was performed in 8 patients with gall stones.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All stones were successfully removed. No postoperative complications, such as bleeding or bile leakage, occurred. The operative time was 45-120 minutes (mean 77.5 ± 24). The mean length of hospital stay was 2 days, and no postoperartive analgesics were used. There were no visible scars on the abdominal wall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The gas-free single-port transumbilical laparoscopic approach was safe and feasible for cholecystolithotomy. This approach expands the applications of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery and avoids the use of highly concentrated CO(2) in the body and its potential side effects.
authors: Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Tongji University Affiliated Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. huhailc@sina.com
authors: Hai
authors: H
authors: Hu
authors: Anhua
authors: A
authors: Huang
authors: Wenxin
authors: W
authors: Zhang
authors: Weidong
authors: W
authors: Wang
authors: Jiangfan
authors: J
authors: Zhu
authors: Bing-guan
authors: BG
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001662:Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013536:Suture Techniques