Objective      To evaluate the safety and efficacy of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) versus 3- port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (TPLC) in the treatment of benign gallbladder diseases.       Methods        A total of 116 patients with benign gallbladder diseases administered in our department from June 2011 to April 2013 were retrospectively recruited in this study. Forty-five of them undergoing SILC were assigned into group SILC

and 71 patients receiving TPLC into group TPLC. There were no significant differences in age

sex

or body mass index among the 2 groups (P0.05). Operative time

blood loss

postoperative hospital stay

incidence of complications

pain score

laparotomy rate

and satisfaction with cosmetic results were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups.       Results      Operation time was significantly longer in the group SILC than the group (P0.05). There was no statistical significances in the amount of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative staying time between the 2 groups (P0.05). The pain scores were higher in the group SILC than the group TPLC in postoperative day 1 (P0.05)

but no difference was seen in the incidence of complications. Obvious higher cosmetic satisfaction was seen in the group SILC (P0.05).       Conclusion      SILC is a safe and efficient approach for surgical treatment of benign gallbladder diseases. It is superior to TPLC because of its better cosmetic results

but takes longer of operation time.