title: Transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy: towards a scarless abdominal surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study is to evaluate transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a minimally invasive technique for removal of the gallbladder.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients were included in the study. All patients underwent transumbilical removal of the gallbladder through 3 incisions of 5mm size. An ultrasonically activated shear was used for sealing and dividing the cystic duct and artery. A 5mm camera with 30 degrees angle was used. Patient characteristics and outcomes were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All cases were accomplished successfully. The operative time ranged from 30-85 minutes. All patients were discharged on the following day. The postoperative wound was minimal and well tolerated by patients. Postoperative pain was minimal to moderate as shown on a pain scale.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transumbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy has the potential advantages of reduced postoperative pain and reduced port-site complications. Careful attention to closure can lead to virtually "scarless" surgery without any further effect on the total cost of the procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, El-Minia University, School of Medicine, El-Minia, Egypt. taahmad@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Tarik
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Abdel Azeez
authors.forename: Khaled M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Mahran
mesh_terms: D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D002921:Cicatrix; D006801:Humans; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000601:surgery*