Three port versus standard four port laparoscopic cholecystectomy- a prospective study

Abstract

The current study was undertaken to compare the safety, efficacy, cosmesis, cost effectiveness, complication rates and incidence of conversions. In a period of one year 200 patients with symptomatic GB stone disease were randomly divided into group A (100 patients) for three port technique and group B (100 patients) for standard four port technique. The outcomes were assessed based on duration of surgery, complication rates, postoperative pain, cosmesis, hospital stay and conversion rates.The mean operative time was compared and found to be less in group A. Intraoperative and postoperative complications was similar in both groups. The postoperative pain was less in group A. The mean hospital stay was less in group A (1.27 days) than group B (1.95 days).Better cosmetic results and patient satisfaction was observed in group A. 5 patients of group A required fourth port and 3 patients of group B required conversion to open cholecystectomy. The three port technique is a safe and feasible method in hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Thus it can be recommended as a safe alternative to conventional four ports laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.