title: Endoloop retraction technique in single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy: experience in 27 patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SPLC) has been one of the hottest topics in minimally invasive surgery. Various techniques have been described, but the search for better techniques and equipment still continues. The aim of this study is to share a new retraction technique and the results in 27 patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between May 2010 and May 2011, 27 patients underwent SPLC with the presented technique. The data related to the operative and postoperative measures were collected prospectively. Operation time, pain score (visual analog scale) in the first 24 hours after the operation, and length of hospital stay were recorded by an independent nurse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-seven SPLCs were performed. Indications were symptomatic gallstone disease or gallbladder polyps without active inflammation. Mean operation time was 45.7 minutes (range, 30-80 minutes). In none of the patients was introduction of an additional port or conversion to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The endoloop technique can be used to overcome retraction problem while preventing spillage of bile and reducing crowding of instruments with a practically invisible scar in selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Acıbadem University Medical Faculty, İstanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cihan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Uras
authors.forename: Deniz Eren
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Boler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011127:Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies