Randomized Comparison of Gallbladder Removal Through Subxiphoid Versus Infraumbilical Ports During Laparoscopic Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two surgical methods for removing the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. This study focuses on evaluating whether retrieving the gallbladder through the subxiphoid port site offers advantages over the traditional infraumbilical port site in terms of postoperative pain and wound-related complications. The study is a randomized controlled trial conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, involving adults aged 18 to 60 years. Participants undergo standard four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed under general anesthesia by experienced surgeons. After the gallbladder is safely placed in a sterile endo-bag, patients are randomly assigned to have the specimen extracted either through the subxiphoid port experimental group or through the infraumbilical camera port comparator group. The procedures aim to minimize bile spillage and abdominal contamination. Throughout the first 24 hours after surgery, patients pain levels at rest are measured at 6, 12, and 24 hours using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale. Additionally, clinicians monitor for port-site infections and local wound complications like seromas or hematomas during the first 7 postoperative days. Data from these assessments will be analyzed statistically to compare the two surgical approaches, with the total study period extending to the completion date in August 2026.

Comparison of Gallbladder Extraction Via Subxiphoid vs Infraumbilical Port in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy