Background and Aim: Minilaparotomy cholecystectomy (MC) and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are 
commonly applied surgical techniques in the management of non-complicated symptomatic gallstone disease. 
We compared both MC and LC in a randomized trial. 
Patients and Method: Forty three patients underwent LC were compared to forty five patients who 
underwent MC (It is defined in this study as open cholecystectomy through incision less than 8 cm length). 
The items of comparison were operative duration, operative and post-operative complications and success of 
the procedure as one day surgery. 
Results: Both groups were comparable as regarding age, sex, BMI and ASA status. The operation time was 
statistically significant shorter for MC group when compared to LC group (P= 0.001). In LC group; 2 patients 
out of 43 patients (4.65%) were converted into the classic open method (one patient was due to massive 
adhesion in the area of Calot's triangle and the second patient was due to injury of CBD), while in MC group; 
3 cases out of 45 cases (6.67%) required a more generous incision to use larger retractors to obtain a clearer 
view of Calot's triangle. The hospital stay for the LC group ranged between 12-24 hrs which is shorter than 
the 1-2 days of the MC group. There were no significant late postoperative complications apart from 3 cases of 
superficial surgical site infections among LC group and 2 cases among the MC group. LC 
was successful as one day surgery in 40 patients out of 43 patients (the failure were due to; CBD injury and 
patients couldn't tolerate oral fluid intake due to post-operative nausea and vomiting not respond 
to the ordinary prokinetic drugs) while it was successful in 44 patients out of 45 patients among the MC 
group (the failure was due to intolerable postoperative pain required 2 days admission for parenteral 
analgesic). 
Conclusion: MC was a better alternative to LC because of its shorter operative time, lower 
complication rates and it didn't require learning curve or special instruments. LC had a faster post-operative 
recovery.