Abstract
Abstract Introduction: Laparascopic cholecystectomy has replaced traditional open cholecystectomy as the 'gold standard' for symptomatic gallstone disease. The traditional technique has been a four-port one, with fewer ports also described in studies. We present our initial experience in Libya with the novel technique for single port Laparoscopic surgery. Patients & Methods : We have used single-port laparoscopic surgery for 25 patients from July, 2010 till November, 2010 in surgical department at Central hospital, Tripoli, Libya. 19 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy while 6 underwent laparoscopic varicocele high ligation. Straight instrument was used in all patients while recently we have begun using curved and articulating instruments. Results: Single port laparoscopic surgery was successful in all 25 patients with no post operative complications or biliary injuries. The operative scar merged into the umbilicus during the follow up period. 6 patients needed a single needle stitch to retract the gallbladder. Conclusions: Single port laparoscopic surgery SPLC is feasible, safe, easy to perform in experienced hands with short learning curve. It is the new standard for "scarless" abdominal surgery. Further randomized clinical trials are required to determine the advantages of this technique over conventional laparoscopic surgery.