Introduction As single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) became popular, many access platforms and techniques emerged. When we initially described the direct fascial puncture (DFP) technique, many suggested it was not practical for three reasons: (1) increased hernia formation, (2) inability to complete operations without instrument changes and (3) insurmountable instrument drag. This study sought to determine whether the technique was a feasible approach by evaluating the outcomes with DFP-SILS in a single surgeon unit. Methods This was a retrospective audit of all consecutive patients who had unselected SILS operations by a single surgeon. For the DFP-SILS operation, a single optical trocar was used at the umbilicus, a second was rail-roaded beside the optical trocar and a third was directly passed across the fascia at the left-lateral extent of the skin wound. We recorded the number of conversions or failed operations and examined the patients routinely after operation to evaluate for incisional herniae. Results There were 50 DFP-SILS operations performed: 37 cholecystectomies, 12 appendectomies and one jejunal resection. The operations were successful in all cases with no conversions or mortality recorded. One patient (2%) developed a superficial surgical site infection after SILS-DFP appendectomy. The therapeutic outcomes were comparable to existing series of multi-port laparoscopy. There were no incisional herniae detected. Conclusion Even in the resource-poor setting, SILS operations are feasible and safe using the DFP technique. The theoretic concerns have not been realized in clinical practice.

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Removal of a gallbladder remnant occasionally becomes necessary when retained stones become symptomatic. Although the laparoscopic approach has been described, it is not yet considered the standard of care. We sought to determine the outcomes after completion cholecystectomies in the resource-poor setting within the Caribbean. Methods We carried out an audit of the databases from all hepatobiliary surgeons in the Anglophone Caribbean. We identified all patients who had completion cholecystectomy over the five-year period from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2018. Retrospective chart review was performed to extract the following data: patient demographics, diagnoses, presenting complaints, operative details, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were generated using Statistical Packaging for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 12.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL) Results There were 12 patients who were subjected to laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis (7), severe biliary pancreatitis (3), and chronic cholecystitis (2) secondary to stones in a gallbladder remnant. There were 10 women and two men at a mean age of 47.4 years (range 32-60; standard deviation (SD) +/-7.81; median 48; mode 52) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.8 Kg/M 2 (SD +/-3.81; range 26-38; median 29.5). The mean interval between the index operation and the completion operation was 14.8 months (SD +/-12.3; range 1-48; median 13; mode 18). Five (42%) patients had their original cholecystectomy using the open approach. Five (42%) index operations were done on an emergent basis and the gallbladder remnant was deliberately left behind in three (25%) index operations. The completion cholecystectomies were all completed laparoscopically in 130.5 minutes (SD +/-30.5; range 90-180, median 125; mode 125) without any conversions or mortality. There were two minor bile leaks that resolved without intervention through an indwelling drain. Discussion Completions cholecystectomy can be completed via the laparoscopic approach with good outcomes and acceptable morbidity and mortality rates. The patients derive the same advantages as elective cholecystectomies. Therefore, the laparoscopic approach, when performed by hepatobiliary surgeons with advanced laparoscopic expertise in specialized centers, should be the new standard of care.

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