(A Medial Muscle Retracting Approach)

ABSTRACT

Mini-cholecystectomy, one of the minimally invasive techniques of gall bladder removal was used on 50 cases of symptomatic gallstones with 4-6 cm transverse incision. The rectus mucle was retracted medially in all the cases starting incision short of midlline. No special retractors were used. Depending upon the availability either liga clips or silk was used for occlusion of the cystic duct and artery. In only one cases the incision had to be extended to complete the operation. The success rate was 98%. Average operation time was 47.7 minutes average hospital stay was 4.82 days and post-operative analgesics required on average were 3.48 does per patient. No specific intra-operative or post-operative complications were noticed which could have incapacitated the patient for a long time. The average time taken to return to work was 14 days. There was negligible morbidity and no mortality. In the follows up period extending from 2 weeks to 3 months, no long term complications were noticed and patient were very well satisfied with outcome of the procedure.