Abstract
Objective: To compare three ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy and four ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy in terms of complications, time taken to complete the procedure, hospital stay and cost effectiveness in local perspective.
Methodology: This randomized control trial included 60 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Department of Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan from January 2013 to June 2013. These patients were randomized on computer generated table of random numbers into group A and Group B. In Group A patients four ports were passed to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy and in Group B patients three ports were passed to perform the procedure.
Results: The mean age in both groups was 44 years (range 18-72). Three ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy (43 min) took less time to complete than four ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy (51 min). Patients in three ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy experienced less pain as compared to four ports group. The total additional analgesia requirement in 24 hours calculated in milligrams was less in three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy group as compared four port laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. The mean hospital stay in three port laparoscopic cholecystectomy group is 25 hours while the mean hospital stay in the four port laparoscopic cholecystectomy group is 28 hours.
Conclusion: Three ports laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and effective procedure and it did not compromise the patient safety.

Key words: Cholecystectomy, laparoscopy, cholelithiasis