title: [Transvaginal cholecystectomy: results of a randomized study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) is regarded as a model operation in the newly developed field of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). Randomized, controlled trials to assess TVC as a surgical strategy are largely missing.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a double blind, randomized, controlled, single center trial in female patients > 18 years with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) and TVC. The study investigated pain reduction of ≥ 1 point on a visual-numeric rating scale with a follow-up after 7 days. Secondary endpoints were complications and patient reported outcome. Groups were established using computer-generated randomization and sealed envelopes in the operating theatre. At the end of the surgical procedure all patients received a standard 4-trocar dressing as for CLC and a vaginal tamponade.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 426 patients were asked to participate, of which 97 were randomized, 51 in the CLC, 41 in the TVC groups and 5 were excluded from the study. Patients were comparable regarding age, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Surgical and anesthesia times were significantly different. There was no difference in postoperative pain. The majority of patients were satisfied with both procedures and TVC was recommended to other patients by 93 % of patients in the TVC group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results did not show superiority of TVC over CLC with regards to postoperative pain. With no differences in postoperative pain and high patient satisfaction, TVC can be recommended to future patients as an alternative method. For confirmation of this evaluation of TVC further randomized trials are needed.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Allgemein- und Visceralchirurgie, Sana Kliniken Berlin-Brandenburg, Sana Klinikum Berlin-Lichtenberg, Berlin, Deutschland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Federlein
authors.forename: V A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fritze-Büttner
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burghardt
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gräber
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gellert
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Borchert
mesh_terms: D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001604:Berlin; D002763:Cholecystectomy / Q000379:methods*; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D057605:Natural Orifice Endoscopic Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D061646:Operative Time; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery