Single-port endoscopic cholecystectomy: a bridge between laparoscopic and translumenal endoscopic surgery.

Background And Objective: The intentional puncture of the normal viscera is likely the most important issue limiting the widespread use of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). We developed a new procedure for cholecystectomy using a flexible endoscope via a single port placed in the abdominal wall without visceral puncture (single-port endoscopic cholecystectomy; SPEC) as a bridge between laparoscopic surgery and NOTES. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of SPEC.

Methods: Five pigs were subjected to SPEC. An endoscope was inserted through a 12-mm port placed in the right upper abdomen. After grasping and retracting the gallbladder using a 2-mm retractor that was directly introduced into the peritoneal cavity, gallbladder excision with ligation of the cystic artery and duct using endoclips was carried out.

Results: A complete gallbladder excision was carried out easily and safely in all cases. No major adverse events occurred. The mean operating time was 67 min (range 52-84 min).

Conclusions: SPEC is a technically feasible procedure. It is simpler, easier, and safer than NOTES cholecystectomy. SPEC could be a less invasive alternative to the conventional four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.