We reviewed the results of 25 small-incision cholecystectomies and 79 conventional cholecystectomies performed at Visayas Community Medical Center from January 1, 2000 to January 31, 2002. There were no differences in the mean age and the male to female ratio in both groups. The mean duration of operation for the small-incision cholecystectomy group was 132.2 minutes while it took 133.4 minutes in the conventional cholecystectomy group. Resumption of regular diet in the small-incision cholecystectomy group was 2.5 days while it took 4 days in the conventional cholecystectomy group. Postoperative hospital stay ranged from 3 to 6 days with a mean of 4 days in the small-incision cholecystectomy group. On the other hand, postoperative hospital stay ranged from 4 to 10 days with a mean of 7.3 days in the conventional cholecystectomy group. Complications seen included postoperative fever, intraoperative bleeding, wound infection and bile leak. Overall, our study confirmed the earlier resumption to regular diet and shorter postoperative stay, thus, faster recovery in the small-incision cholecystectomy group. However, no conclusion can be made because of limitations in the study design and the small sample size. (Author)