Two Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Initial Experience of 25 Cases with a New Technique

Background: In Nepal, it is quite common to find patients with large stone burden and thick gallbladder wall which often leads to incision extension. We have used this extended incision to our advantage. The present technique of two port laparoscopic cholecystectomy not only helps overcoming the specimen extraction difficulties but also contributes to better cosmesis. Patients and methods: A total of 25 patients underwent the surgery in 2008 to 2010. Results: The mean operating time was 50 minutes. None had significant procedural blood loss, iatrogenic injury, perforation of gallbladder, bile spillage, significant gas leak or subcutaneous emphysema at either port site. All patients were comfor table in the postoperative period and were routinely discharged on 2nd postoperative day except for two patients who has surgical site infection and fever respectively. Although three cases were converted to standard 4 port technique, none required conversion to open cholecystectomy. Out of 25 patients, 7 cases have completed 3 months follow-up and did not show any complication like port site hernia. Conclusion: The described method of performing two port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe, simple and inexpensive yet cosmetically rewarding.