Post Operative Pain after Cholecystectomy: Conventional Laparoscopy Versus Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

Abstract

Background This study was done to compare postoperative pain after cholecystectomy done by single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) versus conventional four port laparoscopy. Methods 100 patients undergoing cholecystectomy for symptomatic gall stones who were willing to be part of this comparison were included in the study. Patients were randomized into two groups of 50 each. Only conventional instruments were used in both groups to keep the cost of surgery same. No special ports, roticulating instruments or flexible telescopes were used. Pain score was checked after 6 hours of surgery using a visual analogue score. Results We observed that there was no statistically significant difference in overall post operative pain. But on further analysis, we found significant difference in post operative pain score in latter half of our series of SILS when compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and also the first half of the SILS group. There was also significant difference between operative times in earlier and latter half of SILS. Conclusion Single incision laparoscopic surgery is a feasible and a promising method for cholecystectomy. It is possible to do this procedure with out using special equipment. Although there was no significant difference in overall postoperative pain, there is a possibility that after the initial learning curve, when the operative time reduces, the postoperative pain may also decrease. More studies are needed.