Single-Incision Laparoscopic Combined Cholecystectomy and Appendectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is becoming more widely used, but few combined procedures have been reported. Herein we share our experience with single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy. METHODS: We reviewed data from 26 patients who underwent single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy between May 1, 2009 and June 1, 2013 at Shengjing Hospital. All the procedures were performed with conventional laparoscopic instruments placed through a single operating portal of entry created within the umbilicus. RESULTS: All the operations were successfully completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Patients were satisfied with the therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Single-incision laparoscopic combined cholecystectomy and appendectomy appear to be a technically feasible alternative to the standard laparoscopic procedure in simultaneous management of coexisting benign gallbladder and appendix pathologies. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.