Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children using standard straight instruments: a surgeon's early experience.

Abstract Background: With the evolution of surgical techniques and instrumentation, surgeons have adapted methods to provide safe and effective therapy through less invasive operations. Conventional laparoscopy utilizes several small incisions in well-separated areas of the body, but more recently, surgeons have been performing minimally invasive procedures through a single incision. Specially designed ports and instruments have been employed to offset the disadvantage of losing the ability to have instruments separated in space while working through a single incision. We have reviewed our initial experience with single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) in children using conventional straight laparoscopic instruments compared with those who underwent standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SLC). Methods: During the study period, a retrospective chart review was performed on 54 consecutive children who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Twenty-seven patients who underwent SILC (1 patient had...