Which incision is commonly used for a cholecystectomy?

The incision commonly used for a cholecystectomy is the Kocher's incision. This incision is strategically placed in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen and provides optimal access to the gallbladder, which is situated underneath the liver in this region. The name "Kocher's incision" is derived from Emil Theodor Kocher, a Swiss surgeon known for advances in abdominal surgery.

The Kocher incision allows surgeons to carefully expose the gallbladder and surrounding structures while minimizing damage to other anatomical areas. It can be performed either as an open procedure or as part of laparoscopic techniques, although laparoscopy conventionally utilizes smaller trocars rather than larger incisions. Thus, this incision has a direct application in both traditional and minimally invasive cholecystectomies.

In contrast, the midline incision is typically used for access to the entire abdominal cavity and is not specific to gallbladder surgery. The paramedian incision may be employed for various procedures but is not ideal for gallbladder access due to the position of the organ. The Lanz incision is specifically designed for appendectomies, making it less suitable for cholecystectomy procedures. Therefore, the appropriateness of the Kocher's incision highlights its significance in