Bikini Line Approach for Cosmetic Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a standard procedure. Several alternative approaches have been described to make trocar scars invisible. This study describes and was successfully administered as a pilot for feasibility and safety of a bikini line port for better aesthetic results. In patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis undergoing LC between June 2021 and December 2021, bikini line ports were used in 67 patients. With the patient in the supine position, the first trocar (11 mm) was inserted into the abdomen through the umbilicus. The other three trocars were placed in the lower abdomen at the bikini line with the help of the camera. Standard instruments were used to perform the surgery. The mean operative time was 54.66 SD 14.1 min. No intraoperative or postoperative adverse events took place. The median follow-up for this cohort was 24 weeks. Cosmetic results were satisfactory for all patients. The use of one umbilical camera port and the other three ports in the bikini line in the lower abdomen completely hides the scars from the ports’ incision. The technique was quickly adopted by regular laparoscopic surgeons with usual instruments, much to the satisfaction of patients.