title: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) using harmonic scalpel.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is emerging as a potentially less invasive alternative to standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, this procedure is technically more complex and time consuming. We present our initial experience with SILC using harmonic ACE (HS-SILC) in an attempt to simplify the procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  We collected concurrent data on 67 consecutive patients undergoing HS-SILC by a single surgeon in a university-affiliated hospital over a period of 9 mo.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From May 2010 to February 2011, 67 consecutive patients underwent an attempted HS-SILC for symptomatic cholelithiasis by a single surgeon, with a success rate of 95.5%. Conversion to a standard LC was necessary in two patients (2.9%), and conversion to an open cholecystectomy was necessary in one patient (1.6%). The average operative time was 36.2 min. No injuries to the common bile duct occurred. Postoperative port site infection occurred in one patient (1.5%). No perioperative deaths occurred.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HS-SILC is safe and feasible. It simplifies the procedure and makes operative time less with better cosmetic results and lower rate of conversion to multi-incision LC or open cholecystectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Gastroenterology Surgical Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. ahmedraoaf@mans.edu.eg
authors.forename: Ahmed Abdel-Raouf
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: El-Geidie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061214:Patient Safety; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000009:adverse effects; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome