Transumbilical Endoscopic Cholecystectomy on a Porcine Model / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective The aim of this study is to verify the feasibility of transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy by using the tri-channel trocar technique.Methods Eight domestic pigs were submitted to transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy using the tri-channel trocar technique.After establishment of pneumoperitoneum,a tri-channel trocar was placed through an infra-umbilical incision.A fine grasper of 2 mm in diameter was inserted through a small skin incision on the right upper abdomen into abdominal cavity to grasp the fundus of the gallbladder.Then the cystic duct was dissected with a flexible hook.Once the cystic duct and artery were free,they were clipped by a clip fixing device,and the gallbladder was separated from the liver bed using flexible hook dissection.The specimen was then extracted through the umbilical trocar.Results All the gallbladders were removed successfully in the eight pigs without severe bleeding during dissection,or intraoperative and postoperative complications.The operation time was from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and decreased with experience.Postmortem examination revealed that the gallbladder fossa was clean,and the clips on the cystic duct and artery were secure.Neither bile leakage nor hemorrhage was found at the operative field.Conclusions Transumbilical endoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and safe without leaving obvious abdominal scars.