Three-portal technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

We devised special maneuvers and techniques, which we refer to as “the three-portal technique,” for the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. With this technique, the primary surgeon operates from the right side of the patient, beginning dissection at the posterior surface of the gallbladder and advancing until the neck of the gallbladder is sufficiently separated from the hepatic bed. The particular advantages of our technique are that the quadrate lobe of the liver does not obstruct the operative field, because of the direction of the dissecting forceps controlled by the operator’s right hand, and there is less contact between the various instruments. Sixteen patients with gallstones were successfully treated with this new technique, and no morbidity was attributable to the procedure.