Our Summary

This study looks at the use of a surgery called single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC), which was once widely used for cosmetic reasons or to reduce pain, but has seen less use due to concerns about its difficulty and an increased risk of complications. The researchers used data from their own hospital to show that SILC is not a difficult procedure and can be safe and beneficial, particularly in terms of its cosmetic results.

The researchers examined data from 1,469 cases of SILC performed at Osaka Police Hospital from May 2009 to December 2020. They found that the average surgery time was 96 minutes and there was no blood loss. There were some cases (3.1%) where they had to switch to a different surgical method, and a very small number of intraoperative complications occurred (0.14%). Some patients experienced postoperative complications (1.2%) and incisional hernias (1.0%). The average hospital stay after the surgery was 3 days.

The study suggests that SILC can be performed safely without increasing the risk of complications, contrary to previous reports. The researchers believe that SILC could be a beneficial technique, given its superior cosmetic results and its potential to reduce pain.

FAQs

  1. What is single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) and why was it previously less used?
  2. What were the findings of the study on SILC performed at Osaka Police Hospital?
  3. According to the study, what are the potential benefits of SILC?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about laparoscopic cholecystectomy is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as fasting before the surgery and stopping certain medications as directed. Additionally, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before the procedure. After the surgery, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for a smooth recovery. It is also important to listen to your body and report any unusual symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy include those with symptomatic gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, or gallbladder cancer. Additionally, patients who are at a higher risk for complications from traditional open surgery, such as elderly patients or those with multiple comorbidities, may also be recommended for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of gallstones such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the presence of gallstones
  • Patient is advised to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the treatment of choice for gallstones

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

  • Patient undergoes preoperative preparation including fasting and anesthesia consultation
  • Patient undergoes laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure which typically takes around 1-2 hours
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room post-surgery before being transferred to a hospital room
  • Patient may experience mild discomfort and pain at the incision sites which can be managed with pain medication
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital within 1-3 days after surgery
  • Patient is advised to follow postoperative instructions such as diet restrictions and activity limitations
  • Patient typically resumes normal activities within 1-2 weeks post-surgery and experiences relief from gallstone symptoms

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, specifically single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC)?

  2. How does SILC compare to traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of recovery time, pain management, and cosmetic results?

  3. Are there any specific factors that would make me a good candidate for SILC over traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

  4. What is the success rate of SILC at your hospital or surgical center?

  5. How experienced are you and your surgical team in performing SILC procedures?

  6. What postoperative care and follow-up will be necessary after SILC?

  7. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after undergoing SILC?

  8. How long can I expect to be in the hospital after SILC?

  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to be aware of after undergoing SILC?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides SILC for gallbladder removal?

Reference

Authors: Furukawa K, Asaoka T, Mikamori M, Hyuga S, Iwamoto K, Nakahara Y, Naito A, Ohtsuka M, Moon J, Imasato M, Kishi K, Mizushima T. Journal: J Gastrointest Surg. 2022 Apr;26(4):831-836. doi: 10.1007/s11605-021-05231-7. Epub 2022 Jan 20. PMID: 35048257