A Novel Retraction Instrument Improves the Safety of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in an Animal Model

Introduction: Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) promises improved cosmesis and may further minimize the invasiveness of intraabdominal interventions but cannot come at the expense of patient safety. This study describes the evaluation of a novel 5-mm instrument designed for SILC that maintains an equivalent critical view to that obtained with standard multiport laparoscopic cholecystectomy (MLC). Materials and Methods: Sixteen animals were randomly assigned to one of four study arms. Four techniques for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were used: standard four-port MLC, three-instrument SILC (SILC-A), three-instrument SILC using a suture for lateral retraction (SILC-B), and three-instrument SILC using the novel instrument for retraction (SILC-C). Each case was timed and video-recorded. The video was cropped to obscure the method of retraction and evaluated by five experienced laparoscopic surgeons blinded to the technique used. Each case was rated subjectively on a safety and visualization scale of 1-4. Results: SILC-A and SILC-B cases were significantly longer in duration than both SILC-C and MLC cases. The safety and visualization scale results were lower for the SILC-A technique but were equivalent for the MLC, SILC-B, and SILC-C techniques. Conclusion: This study introduces a novel instrument for gallbladder retraction. In this initial evaluation, the new instrument showed encouraging results in its ability to generate good visualization, support the safe critical view technique, and reduce the length of the procedure.