Enlargement of umbilical incision in standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy is frequently necessary: An argument for the single incision approach?

Abstract

Objective: Cosmetic result after cholecystectomy is up for debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and extent of enlargement of initial skin and fascia incision in standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to detect predictive factors for such an enlargement. Material and methods: The size of the umbilical incision was measured before and after standard laparoscopic gallbladder removal in 391 patients from August 2009 to October 2012. Predisposing factors for the need of enlargement of the umbilical incision were analysed. Results: Additional enlargement of the umbilical incision for gallbladder removal was required in 35.8% of the patients at skin level, and in 40.4% at fascia level. The median enlargement of the umbilical skin incision was 11 mm, from 25 mm to 36 mm. Gallbladder weight, total stone weight, maximum diameter of largest stone and shorter initial length of incision were independent predisposing factors for enlargement of the incision. Conclusions: In standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy the umbilical incision frequently requires secondary enlargement, especially if a large stone mass is involved. Therefore, the cosmetic result after laparoscopic cholecystectomy depends on more than only the technique used for access and the surgical technique for cholecystectomy should be chosen individually for each patient according to the stone mass.

Key words:

• Cholecystectomy
• incision
• cosmetic
• laparoscopy
• single-port

Declaration of interest: Drs. Glauser, Käser, Berov, Walensi, Kuhnt and Maurer have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.