Patient preference matters: cholecystectomy for uncomplicated gallbladder diseases should be performed by single port laparoscopy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for uncomplicated gallbladder diseases (UGD) is a low-complexity procedure with little morbidity. Single port approach (SPA) benefits are unclear. Our aim is to identify any advantages by evaluating both the clinical outcomes of this approach and also patient opinion, following a year of implementation in our institution. Methods: Data from patients operated on during 2015 for UGD by SPA or conventional laparoscopic approach (CLA) were collected. Patients were asked to answer a telephone questionnaire 4-6 months after the operation. Results: 47 patients were operated on by SPA (SP group) and 117 by CLA (CL group). No differences were found between preoperative variables, surgical time, morbidity, length of stay or wound complications. More SP group patients reported no pain at discharge (72.3 vs 54.7%, p=0.037). 138 patients answered the questionnaire. No significant differences were found when comparing overall satisfaction. Wound aspect satisfaction was higher in the SP group (100 vs 80.9%, p=0.001). A higher proportion of CL group patients felt that had they had fewer scars, they would be more satisfied (46.8 vs 9.1%, p <0.001), and 35.1% of them opined that their satisfaction would be greater had they been operated on by SPA. In the multivariate analysis, the only variable associated with maximum overall satisfaction was wound aspect satisfaction. Conclusions: SPA is a valid alternative to CLA for UGD. It should be chosen when available, since it provides equal clinical outcomes, diminishes postoperative pain and is preferred by patients.