Single umbilical incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Results of the prospective trial of the Coelio Club

SummaryAimTo assess the cosmetic outcome after single umbilical incision laparoscopic cholecystectomies (SILC) performed by the surgeons of the Coelio Club.Patients and methodsMulticenter prospective study concerning 105 consecutive patients operated between December 2009 and February 2011 by SILC for non-complicated gallstones. Perioperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed with a systematic follow-up at 1 and 6 months postoperative.ResultsConversion to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) was required for six patients (5.7%). Conversion rate is higher in case of acute cholecystitis (25%, P < 0.001). Cosmetic outcome is found excellent by the patient (in 86% of the cases at 6 months) and by the surgeon (in 90% of the cases at 6 months) using an EVA scale. An incisional hernia was found in two cases (1.9%) and a superficial wound infection in four cases (3.8%).ConclusionsThe cosmetic outcome after SILC is found excellent. SILC has its place in the surgical management of the non-complicated gallstone. We did not notice higher level of peroperative complications (biliary tract injury) during SILC than during CLC. Postoperative higher level of abdominal wall complications than after a CLC makes the surgeon caution to a careful abdominal wall closure.