STaRLING Trial

Inclusion criteria

  • Age equal to or above 18 years;
  • Benign gallbladder disease: diagnosis of gallbladder polyps or symptomatic gallstones proven on imaging (ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scan or MRCP (Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography));
  • Capacity to give informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • Minimally invasive procedure is not deemed possible by the operating surgeon;
  • Evidence of acute cholecystitis;
  • Known stones in the common bile duct;
  • Suspicion of possible malignancy;
  • Pregnancy;
  • Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, stage III or IV;
  • Insufficient language skills to be able to perform the quality-of-life questionnaires.