To summarize the experience of performing single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

From July 2010 to Dec 2011, the clinical data of 43 cases undergoing single port cholecystectomy were analyzed retrospectively, and compared with 49 cases (control group) on operative time, postoperative complications and hospital stay of traditional three-hole laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Fifteen cases in the trial group underwent three-point retraction, 26 cases underwent total single port cholecystectomy, and 2 cases were converted to traditional three-hole laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The operative time of single port for the first case was 96 min. After the first 10 cases, the average operation time was shortened to (62.5±5) min, compared with that of (59.4±3) min of the control group; the difference was not statistically significant (t=4.04, P=0.16). Average hospital stay was (3±1.1) d in the experimental group, and (4±0.87) d in the control group; the difference was not statistically significant (t=3.28, P=0.17). Postoperative follow-up lasted from 2 to 12 months, and 1 case in the trial group had wound liquidation, 2 patients of the control group had wound infection. No patients had no incisional hernia, bile duct injury and other complications.

Single port cholecystectomy is both safe and effective, with an appropriate operative time and hospital stay compared with the traditional three-port cholecystectomy. The learning curve needs approximately 10 cases.