SILC – A Newer Technique With Conventional Instruments: Does it really need “novel ”instruments ?

Gallstone surgery by laparoscopic method is most commonly performed procedure worldwide. Now a days there is more and more trend towards minimally invasive procedure. Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) is becoming more popular in this field. First SILC was performed by Navarra et al in1997 through a single periumbilical skin incision. There were many modifications in SILC procedure also since then. Some authors have used few special devices such as designed SILS port Covidian), Triport TM , Single Site Laparoscopy Access System (Ethicon) and Gelpoint (Applied Medical System ) etc. Whereas, others have used specially desined instruments to shorten the learning curve. Aim: To evaluate the need of such costly devices or instruments over convention instruments in SILC procedure. Method:We used those instruments ,which are used for conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy ( cLC) in 50 cases in IGMC Shimla , with 25 cases each in SILC and cLC groups . Results: SILC was safe and cosmetically better option and was no difference in complication rates between SILC and cLC performed through conventional instruments .Duration of surgery (DOS) was prolonged in SILC group. Conclusion: SILC procedure through conventional instruments is a safe,less costly , and feasible option in any centre where laparoscopic surgeries are regularly preformed .