Why are two incisions in the back used during a cholecystectomy (bile removal surgery)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: December 12, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Clarification: The Question Appears to Contain a Terminology Error

The term "bilectomy" does not exist in standard surgical nomenclature. Based on the context provided, you are likely asking about laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), not "bile removal surgery."

Standard Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Uses Multiple Small Incisions, Not Two Back Incisions

Traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not involve two incisions in the back—it uses 3-4 small incisions in the anterior abdomen (front of the body). 1

Standard Port Placement for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

  • One umbilical incision (typically 10-12mm) for the camera 2, 3
  • One subcostal incision in the right upper quadrant (5mm or 3mm) 2
  • Two additional anterior abdominal incisions for grasping and dissecting instruments 3

The procedure is performed entirely through the front of the abdomen, with the patient positioned supine (lying on their back). 1

Alternative Minimally Invasive Approaches

Double Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (DILC):

  • Uses two anterior incisions only: three 5mm trocars through the umbilicus and one 3mm subcostally on the right 2
  • This reduces the standard four incisions to effectively two sites 2
  • Still performed from the front of the abdomen, not the back 2

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

  • Uses only one transumbilical incision (through the belly button) 3, 4
  • Associated with improved cosmesis and shorter length of stay compared to traditional four-incision approach 3
  • Requires slightly longer operative time (65 vs 51 minutes) but maintains comparable safety 3

Common Pitfall to Avoid

There is no standard cholecystectomy technique that uses posterior (back) incisions. If you encountered a case with back incisions, this would be highly unusual and might represent:

  • A conversion to open surgery with an atypical approach
  • A combined procedure addressing a different pathology
  • Misidentification of the surgical site

The Critical View of Safety must be achieved through anterior abdominal access by clearing the hepatocystic triangle and visualizing only two structures entering the gallbladder. 1 This anatomical requirement necessitates anterior approach, making posterior incisions impractical for standard cholecystectomy.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.