Randomized trial of needlescopic versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background: Several studies have reported the feasibility of using 'needles copic' instruments with a diameter less than 3 mm in minimally invasive sur gery. This study reports a comparison of needlescopic cholecystectomy and l aparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: Seventy-five patients with symptomatic chronic cholelithiasis were randomized to needlescopic (n = 37) or laparoscopic (n = 38) cholecystecto my. 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 versu s 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 requ ire fewer intramuscular pethidine injections (P = 0.05). However, oral anal gesic requirements in the two groups were similar. There were no complicati ons in either group. Conclusion: Needlescopic cholecystectomy resulted in less postoperative pai n and a smaller surgical scar than laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with chronic cholecystitis.