title: Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus standard multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case-control study comparing the long-term quality of life and body image.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the postoperative quality of life and body image of patients who underwent either single-port cholecystectomy (SPC) or standard multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SMLC) in a long-term assessment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty patients who underwent SPC using the reusable X-Cone™ Laparoscopic Device were compared with a matched group (age, sex, body mass index) of 50 patients after SMLC. The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and body image at 17 months postoperatively (median, range 9-23) was analysed by means of the Short-Form 12 Health Survey and the Body Image Questionnaire, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both patient groups had comparable baseline characteristics, clinical courses, and postoperative complication rates. SPC patients were significantly more satisfied with the cosmetic result of their scar at 17 months postoperatively, in comparison to SMLC patients (cosmetic scale: 22.6 ± 2.8 vs. 19.5 ± 3.7, p < 0.001). However, the HRQOL did not differ between the SPC and SMLC patients (physical component scale: 50.0 ± 8.9 vs. 48.8 ± 9.4, p = 0.48; mental component scale: 53.8 ± 6.5 vs. 51.3 ± 8.5, p = 0.10).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the overall postoperative HRQOL was comparable, this study suggests that the cosmetic result of SPC after complete wound healing is superior to the standard multiport laparoscopic procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Würzburg, Zentrum Operative Medizin, Oberduerrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany. reibetanz_j@chirurgie.uni-wuerzburg.de
authors.forename: Joachim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reibetanz
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ickrath
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hain
authors.forename: Christoph-Thomas
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Germer
authors.forename: Katica
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krajinovic
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001828:Body Image; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D042882:Gallstones / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult