Cosmetic laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: The cosmetic outcome and recovery time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been improved by modifying the operation technique and reducing the number and size of trocars. The next step to improve cosmetic results is moving two trocars below the pubic hairline. We describe our experience in performing cholecystectomy by a combination of European technique using three trocars and moving two ports below the pubic hairline.

Materials And Methods: The results of 72 patients, ASA physical status I and II, who underwent cosmetic laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2002 and May 2005 are presented.

Results: The median operating time was 33.3 +/- 9.9 min and postoperative hospital stay was 2.2 +/- 0.6 days. No patients required additional trocars or conversion to open cholecystectomy. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and all patients reported satisfaction with their postoperative cosmetic results.

Conclusion: According to our experience, cosmetic laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe procedure with good cosmetic results; however, its use should be based on careful evaluation in each individual case.