COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SINGLE INCISION LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY AND CONVENTIONAL LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Background Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery, is an alternative to conventional multi-port laparoscopic surgeries with the aim to reduce complications associated with multiple incisions and increase cosmesis. In this study we aim to compare the single incision approach vs the conventional approach for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Materials We conducted a prospective cohort study at a tertiary care set up, comparing 30 patients each undergoing conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data recorded included demographics, intra-operative and post-operative course, duration of hospital stay, hospital cost and expenditure. Results We found out that single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with longer operative time (65 mins vs 55 mins), a longer hospital stay (5 days vs 2.5 days) and higher hospital expenditure. Intraoperative complications like bleeding and inadvertent gall bladder perforation were more in the single incision group (10% vs 3.3%), and on follow up, 2 patients from the single incision group had surgical site infection and port site herniation compared to none from the conventional laparoscopy group. The patients reported better cosmetic outcome in the single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Conclusion Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is better than conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy with regards to final cosmesis and quality of life parameters, however, it comes with higher economic burden, longer operative times and untoward intra-operative and post-operative events.