Pain, well-being, body image and cosmesis: a comparison of single-port and four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to compare post-operative pain, well-being, body image and cosmesis in SILS cholecystectomy and four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (FPLC).


METHODS
Forty-two consecutive patients (15 SILS, 27 FPLC) undergoing elective cholecystectomy were included in the study. Peri-operative pain, well-being, body image and cosmesis were evaluated using validated assessment tools.


RESULTS
Significantly lower pain scores were reported one week post-operatively in the SILS group (5.6 vs 8.3; p = 0.035). No significant difference was found in analgesic requirements, physical or mental well-being at any time interval. Significantly higher (favourable) body image questionnaire scores were reported in the SILS group at one week (5.4 v 4.5; p < 0.01), two weeks (5.6 vs 4.8; p < 0.01) and one month (5.7 vs 5.0; p < 0.01) post-operatively.


CONCLUSIONS
SILS patients have significantly reduced one-week pain scores and there was no significant difference in well-being between the two groups. Patients who underwent SILS had improved body image and cosmesis. If both techniques are found to be equivalent concerning safety, cost, learning curve and availability, SILS may play a key role in the new era of patient choice.
Department of Biosurgery & Surgical Technology, Imperial College London, Academic Surgical Unit, St.Mary's Hospital , London , UK.
Mikael Hans
MH
Sodergren
Alec
A
Aslanyan
Colleen Georgette Chantelle
CG
Mcgregor
Sanjay
S
Purkayastha
Surbhi
S
Malhotra
Ara
A
Darzi
Paraskevas
P
Paraskeva
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000700:Analgesics
Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS); body image; cosmesis; laparoscopic cholecystectomy; pain; well-being