Objective To investigate the method of single umbilical port laparoscopic cholecystectomy and its feasibility. Methods The clinical data of 46 patients receiving single port umbilical laparoscopic cholecystectomy in this hospital from December 2008 to February 2009 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Fourty-six cases were operated successfully with ordinary laparoscopic instruments by single umbilical port laparoscopic cholecystectomy, all without drainage placed. Operative time was from 40 to 130 min, average 52.3 min; bleeding was from 10 to 150 ml, average 40.6 ml. No complications, such as biliary leakage, hemorrhage, umbilical hernia and infection of incisional wound happened. Postoperative abdominal wall scar was not obvious, 1-4 d hospitalization, from 2 weeks to 3 months following-up without disconnecting of incision. Conclusions The single umbilical port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and feasible, with little abdominal wall scar, but difficult to perform, so it can be applied in hospitals with related conditions as improvements of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.