Abdominal wall integrity and cosmetic outcome after minicholecystectomy incision with half rectus muscle preservation

Background: Today the removal of the gallbladder is the safest, the most effective and widely recommended treatment for gallstone disease. Three essential methods are used for removal of the gallbladder: standard open cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy and minicholecystectomy. Traditionally, the surgical community has resisted accepting minicholecystectomy.
Aim of the work: Evaluation of the efficiency of minicholecystectomy incision with half rectus muscle preservation in improving abdominal wall integrity and cosmetic outcome after cholecystectomy incision.
Patients & methods: Thirty seven patients had undergone cholecystectomy with a mini incision in Menoufiya University Hospital from September 2006 to May 2008. Their age ranged from
24 to 58 years old. The follow up period was one year.
Results: As regard early wound complications there were no subcutaneous haematomas, only one case of wound sepsis and two cases of seroma that were managed conservative. Late wound complications included two cases of hypertrophic scar. No angular wound dehiscence or incisional hernia. The scar was small with good cosmetic outcome and almost all patients were satisfied with the scars.
Conclusion: Minicholecystectomy incision with preservation of half the rectus muscle improves the abdominal wall integrity & cosmetic outcome