To evaluate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as a prognostic indicator, in patients can differentiate between simple and severe cholecystitis. A database of 632 patients who underwent cholecystectomy due to cholecystitis during approximately a seven-year span in a single institution was evaluated. Severe cholecystitis was defined when the cholecystitis was complicated by secondary changes, including hemorrhage, gangrene, emphysema, and perforation. The NLR was calculated at admission as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count. We used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to identify the optimal value for the NLR in relation to the severity of cholecystitis. Thereafter, the differences in clinical manifestations according to the NLR cut-off value were investigated. Our study population comprised 503 patients with simple cholecystitis (79.6%) and 129 patients with severe cholecystitis (20.4%). The NLR of 3.0 could predict severe cholecystitis with 70.5% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity. A higher NLR (≥3.0) was significantly associated with older age (p =0.001), male gender (p =0.001), admission via the emergency department (p <0.001), longer operation time (p <0.001), higher incidence of postoperative complications (p =0.056), and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) (p <0.001). Multivariate analysis found that patient age ≥50 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.312, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.472–3.630, p <0.001), preoperative NLR ≥3.0 (OR: 1.876, 95% CI: 1.246–2.825, p =0.003), and admission via the emergency department (OR: 1.764, 95% CI: 1.170–2.660, p =0.007) were independent factors associated with prolonged LOS. NLR ≥3.0 was significantly associated with severe cholecystitis and prolonged LOS in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Therefore, preoperative NLR in patients undergoing cholecystits due to cholecystitis seemed to be a useful surrogate marker for severe cholecystitis.

Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) is implemented through a tailored minimal single incision through which a number of laparoscopic instruments access. Introduction of operation-customized port system, utilization of a camera without a separate external light, and instruments with different lengths has brought the favorable environment for SPLS. However, performing SPLS still creates several hardships compared to multiport laparoscopic surgery; a single-port system inevitably leads to clashing of surgical instruments due to crowding. To overcome such difficulties, investigators has developed novel concepts and maneuvers, including the concept of inverse triangulation and the maneuvers of pivoting, spreading out dissection, hanging suture, and transluminal traction. The final destination of SPLS is expected to be a completely seamless operation, maximizing the minimal invasiveness. Specimen extraction through the umbilicus can undermine cosmesis by inducing a larger incision. Therefore, hybrid laparoscopic technique, which combined laparoscopic surgical technique with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE)--i.e., transvaginal or transanal route-, has been developed. SPLS and NOSE seemed to be the best combination in pursuit of minimal invasiveness. In the near future, robotic SPLS with natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery's way of specimen extraction seems to be pursued. It is expected to provide a completely or nearly complete seamless operation regardless of location of the lesion in the abdomen.

Recent advances in medical equipment and surgical techniques have enabled solo surgery, wherein a surgeon operates alone without the participation of other surgical members. However, the application of solo surgery in single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) has been rarely reported. Prospectively collected databases of 60 patients who underwent solo-SPLS for appendicitis between March 2013 and June 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Making a transumbilical incision into the peritoneal cavity was facilitated by using a Lone Star self-retaining retractor. After the establishment of a single port through the umbilicus, we installed a mechanical adjustable camera holder (Endoworld®LAP53 Holding Systems). It was anchored to the operating table rail and firmly held the laparoscope with a possibility to adjust the same as required by the operator. The operative method was identical to the SPLS appendectomy, except for the use of these instruments. The median operation time was 50 min (25-120). None of the patients required open conversion, insertion of an additional port or help of a human assistant. The median length of hospital stay for all patients was 1.0 day (range: 1-3 days). The median dosage of required intravenous analgesics (ketorolac, 0.1 mg/kg of body weight) was 0.0 ampoule (0-4). The median interval to initiation of solid diet was 1 day (1-2). The incidence of postoperative complications was 8.3% (5/60). Our results shows that solo-SPLS appendectomy could be performed without increasing operation time or postoperative complications when performed by a surgeon competent in performing SPLS appendectomy.