Objective To evaluate techniques and indications of 2cm～3cm mini cholecystectomy. Methods After a 2cm～3cm incision was made below the right costal margin, cholecystectomy was carried out under direct vision in 465 cases. Results Mini operation was successfully completed in 435 patients (93.5%), while incision lengthening was required in 30 patients. One patient with postoperative bile leakage was cured after 3 weeks of drainage. There were no biliary duct injuries, postoperative bleeding, or deaths in the study. Conclusions Mini cholecystectomy with a 2cm～3cm incision is safe and effective provided patients are properly selected.

Objective To investigate the causes of and prophylactic measure for complications of minilaparotomy cholecystectomy (MC).Methods The clinical data of 10 200 patients receiving MC from Apri1 1991 to March 2006 were analyzed.Results MC was successful in 9 835 cases(96.4%), and in 365 cases(3.6%) the incision was lengthened. Serious complications were 12 cases(0.12%)of bi1e duct injury, 4 cases(0.04%)of colon injury, 8 cases(0.08%)of massive haemorrhage, and 25 cases (0.25%)of bile leakage. Four 4 cases(0.04%) died. Conclusions The key to prevention of complications is a strict selection of MC indications,careful identification of the anatomical structures of Calot's triangle,use of suture ligation of the mesentery of gallbladder triangle and the technique of deep knot-tying and the timely use of extension of the incision.