Needlescopic cholecystectomy using 14-gauge needles: a feasible and safe approach in children

Background Many laparoscopic techniques have been reported since laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for gall bladder excision. In this study, we present a new simplified technique of Needlescopic Cholecystectomy (NC) in children using 14-gauge facial closure needles (Mediflex®, D-1001 New York, USA) (MedN). Patients and methods Thirty-seven children underwent NC using 14-gauge needles. The indication for surgery was chronic symptomatic cholethiasis. Results The age of the patients ranged from 2 to 16 years (mean 13.4 years). The mean operative time was 43 min (30–76 min). There were no conversions to multi-port or open technique. All patients were discharged home on the same day of the surgery. Family satisfaction was excellent in 36 cases (97%) and was good in one case. There were no long-term complications. Conclusion The technique of NC in children using MedNs proved to be a feasible, safe, and an acceptable technique which further improves the cosmetic results and may be considered as an alternative in minimally invasive cholecystectomy.