OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of three-port transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy performed using conventional laparoscopic instruments.

METHODSThirty-two patients undergoing three-port transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy using conventional laparoscopic instruments (group A) with 3 ports around the umbilicus were compared with 96 patients (group B) receiving the conventional 4-port routine endoscopic cholecystectomy.

RESULTSAll the procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open laparotomy. In group A, the procedures were completed smoothly in 30 cases while 2 cases required another port (5 mm) punctured below the xyphoid due to severe adhesion around the cyst. The median operating time was 39.7∓5.2 min in group A, significantly longer than that in group B (25.3∓3.3 min, P<0.001), but the patients in group A obtained better cosmetic results (P<0.001); the median blood loss, recovery time of postoperative intestine function, length of postoperative hospital stay, and the rate of use of postoperative painkillers were comparable between the two groups. Bile leakage or other postoperative complications occurred in none of cases in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONIn cases without severe adhesion around the cyst, three-port transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy using conventional laparoscopic instruments is a safe and feasible alternative to routine endoscopic cholecystectomy with better cosmetic results.