title: Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy: a retrospective comparative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) developed rapidly in recent years. This report describes our initial experience on SILS combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy (SILSC&A) with a unique method of umbilical reconstruction. In addition, a retrospective comparison with conventional combined laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy (LC&A) was analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between April 2009 and December 2013, 62 patients with benign gallbladder and appendix disease underwent laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy at our institution. Of these, 34 (54.8%) underwent SILSC&A (Group 1), and 28 (45.2%) underwent LC&A (Group 2). Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed retrospectively and compared between the two groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences were identified in the preoperative patient characteristics between the two groups. SILSC&A was associated with a shorter operative time (62.2 ± 19.7 versus 77.5 ± 21.4 minutes, respectively; P = .005) and better cosmetic results (4.6 ± 0.7 versus 4.1 ± 0.6, respectively; P = .004). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to other postoperative variables.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study suggests that SILSC&A is as safe and efficacious as conventional LC&A in experienced hands. A uniform method of umbilical reconstruction is helpful in improving cosmesis and decreasing hernia rate. Long-term follow-up and further prospective randomized trials are anticipated.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang, China .
authors.forename: Yongsheng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Shuodong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kong
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001062:Appendectomy / Q000379:methods*; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014472:Umbilicus / Q000601:surgery*