Aim

To assess public willingness to consider Single-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SPLC) versus Multi-Port Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (MPLC) and Open Cholecystectomy in Malaysia, and identify factors influencing preferences.

Method

A cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire, supplemented by educational materials, was conducted to evaluate perceptions of SPLC and the relative importance of factors influencing surgical preference, such as postoperative pain, cosmetic outcomes, willingness to travel, cost, and surgeon reputation.

Results

A total of 160 participants were enrolled; 143 were analysed (54.5% female), and only 23.1% were familiar with SPLC before the survey. Participants were predominantly young adults (36.4% aged 18–25 years), with 49% holding a bachelor’s degree. Among the three surgical options presented, SPLC was preferred by 82.5% of respondents (95% CI: 76.3%–88.7%), although postoperative complications remained the most frequently cited concern. Cosmetic advantages of SPLC were acknowledged by 60.1%, and a significant association was observed between female preference for SPLC and cosmetic outcomes (χ²(2) = 34.31, p < 0.001). 59.4% of respondents were willing to travel greater distances to access SPLC, with most accepting intercity or interstate travel distances of 51 to 200 kilometres. Postoperative pain was the most influential factor, followed by surgeon reputation.

Conclusion

SPLC was highly accepted despite limited prior awareness, with strong public interest driven by the perception of reduced pain and cosmetic benefits. Further evaluation of SPLC service provision in Malaysia is essential to ensure alignment with patient expectations and equitable access to innovative surgical options.

Keywords

postoperative complications, malaysia, pain, postoperative pain, perception, surgical procedures, operative, travel, knowledge acquisition, laparoscopic cholecystectomycholecystectomy, open, young adult