DefinePK

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to compare the outcomes of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SILC) and Conventional Multi-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (CLC). Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Settings: Allied Hospital/FMU, Faisalabad Pakistan. Duration: February 15, 2025 to June 15, 2025. Methods: A total of 74 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into two groups: 37 undergoing SILC and 37 undergoing CLC. Postoperative pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at different time points, wound infection was categorized according to CDC criteria, return to work was recorded in days, and cosmetic outcomes were assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results: SILC patients experienced significantly lower pain scores at 6, 24, 48 hours, and 7 days postoperatively (p<0.001). The incidence of superficial SSIs was lower in the SILC group (2.7%) compared to the CLC group (29.7%) (p=0.012). SILC patients returned to work significantly earlier (62.1% within 4-7 days, p<0.001), and a higher percentage rated their cosmetic outcome as excellent (43.2% vs. 18.9% in CLC, p=0.005). Conclusion: SILC provides superior postoperative pain relief, lower SSI rates, faster return to work, and better cosmetic outcomes compared to CLC. However, challenges such as increased operative time and a steeper learning curve remain.