Minicholecystectomy vs conventional cholecystectomy: A prospective randomized trial—Implications in the laparoscopic era

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Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare results of elective “open” conventional cholecystectomy (CC) to those of minicholecystectomy (MC). A clinical prospective, randomized trial was designed. The setting was an academic general surgical unit. In the CC group were 26 patients; in the MC group were 24 patients. In the CC group a conventional open cholecystectomy was performed through a subcostal incision; in the MC group operation through an initial 5-cm subcostal incision was done. Mean length of wound was 14.4 cm and 5.4 cm in the two groups, respectively (ppp=0.002). Mean duration of hospitalization was 4.7 and 3.0 days, respectively (pp=0.002). We conclude that Minicholecystectomy offers less pain, earlier recovery, and better cosmetic results than the conventional “open” procedure. Published results of MC compare favorably with those of laparoscopic procedures. The implications of these results in the “laparoscopic era” are discussed.