Clinical value of gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy by natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery

Objective To investigate the clinical value of gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy by natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery on patients with cholecystolithiasis. Methods A retrospective study was performed on data of 15 patients with cholecystolithiasis, who underwent gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy by natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery from April 2018 to July 2018. The operative data, including situation of operation, operative time, intraoperative hemorrhage, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results The procedure was performed successfully in all patients with a mean operative time of 108±12 min (ranged from 92-129 min). The intraoperative hemorrhage was 10-30 mL. Eight patients suffered from slight right upper abdominal pain, and 7 patients felt slight pain in umbilical a week after surgery. No fever, incision infection, umbilical hemia, peritonitis, and ascites were reported. The clear-liquid diet was recommended for one day after operation, and postoperative activity was allowed since the second day after operation. All patients were discharged on the fourth or fifth day, and all recovered to their normal life at one week after discharge. Follow-up showed that the scar was small and hidden in umbilical without visible incision after one month. Ultrasonic examination results showed that gallbladder contractile function worked perfectly in four patients and no gallbladder stone was found after three months. Conclusion Gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy by natural orifice transumbilical endoscopic surgery is a safe and effective option for patients with cholecystolithiasis, provides excellent cosmetic outcomes, and can be appropriately carried out under the strict control of surgical indications. Key words: Cholecystolithiasis; Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery; Transumbilicus; Gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy