title: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy through the umbilicus--minimal access surgery gets more minimal.
abstract: We present the first three reported cases of single incision (through the umbilicus) laparoscopic cholecystectomy in New Zealand. The mean operating time was 108 minutes and all patients were discharged 24 hours after the procedure; they were all satisfied with their procedure and were keen to recommend it. We also provide a review of the international literature on this relatively new technique in New Zealand.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, PO Box 1921 Dunedin, New Zealand. lordyian@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lord
authors.forename: Blaithin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Page
authors.forename: Magnus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thorn
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thompson-Fawcett
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000601:surgery*