Comparing Single-Incision Cholecystectomy and Multiple-Incision Cholecystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Postoperative Complications.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for managing benign gallbladder disease, with the conventional multiport technique widely practiced. Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) has emerged as an alternative, offering potential benefits such as improved cosmetic outcomes, reduced pain, and quicker recovery; however, its efficacy and safety compared to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC) remain unclear. This meta-analysis, which followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, included 51 studies with 2,069 patients to compare clinical outcomes such as postoperative complications, pain, recovery time, and wound infection rates between SILC and CLC. SILC was associated with slightly higher postoperative pain scores (mean difference, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.27; p < 0.001), increased wound infection rates (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.30-2.79; p < 0.001), and a marginally longer hospital stay (mean difference, 0.22 days; 95% CI, 0.16-0.28; p < 0.001). Recovery time showed no significant difference (mean difference, 0.01 days; 95% CI, -0.56 to 0.59; p = 0.73). While SILC offers a cosmetic advantage due to fewer incisions, it is associated with marginally less favorable clinical outcomes compared to CLC, highlighting the need for further research to assess its long-term efficacy and refined surgical techniques.