Background: Over the last decade new innovative minimally invasive techniques (e.g. transvaginal cholecystectomy and single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy) have been developed to reduce operative trauma, postoperative pain and to achieve better cosmetic results. Nevertheless, most of these techniques are more difficult and time-consuming than conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). A new approach, the Minden technique for combined suprapubic transumbilical cholecystectomy (MI-CHE) has been proven to provide a very good cosmetic outcome with reduced operative trauma. The aim of this study was to survey whether MI-CHE prolongs operation times to a relevant degree compared to CLC.
Methods: A total of 40 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized between both techniques. The duration of the operation and other perioperative data were recorded. Surgery was performed by four resident surgeons who had not yet performed any technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, neither MI-CHE nor CLC but were assisted by the same senior staff surgeon in all cases. The two patient groups showed no differences in age, gender and body mass index. The study was registered (DRKS00003271). Non-inferiority was tested using 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Results: The mean operation time was shorter by - 4.2 min (95% CI, + 6.4 min to - 14.8 min) in the MI-CHE as compared to the CLC group (65.5 min versus 69.7 min). There were no open conversions but in one patient intestinal injury occurred during the umbilical mini-laparotomy. There were no differences in patient satisfaction and perioperative pain between both procedures.
Conclusion: The MI-CHE, which provides very good cosmetic results, is not more time-consuming than CLC. Additionally, it seems to be safe and not more difficult to learn than CLC.