Randomized trial of needlescopic versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported the feasibility of using 'needlescopic' instruments with a diameter less than 3 mm in minimally invasive surgery. This study reports a comparison of needlescopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with symptomatic chronic cholelithiasis were randomized to needlescopic (n = 37) or laparoscopic (n = 38) cholecystectomy. RESULTS: The duration of surgery in the two groups was similar. Patients in the needlescopic group had less pain (mean visual analogue score 2.2 versus 3.6; P < 0.003) and had smaller scars (median length 17.0 versus 25.0 mm; P < 0.001). In addition, patients in the needlescopic group tended to require fewer intramuscular pethidine injections (P = 0.05). However, oral analgesic requirements in the two groups were similar. There were no complications in either group. CONCLUSION: Needlescopic cholecystectomy resulted in less postoperative pain and a smaller surgical scar than laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with chronic cholecystitis.