Objective: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SILC) and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC). Methods: The literature of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concerning SILC versus CLC was retrieved by searching the electronic databases from their inception date to November 2012. Methodological quality of the included trials was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook criteria, and data were extracted and combined into a Meta-analysis by using RevMan 5.1 analysis software. Results: Seventeen studies were finally selected after screening, with a total of 1 267 patients, of whom, 654 cases underwent SILC and 613 cases underwent CLC. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that the operative time in SILC group was longer than that in CLC group (WMD=13.02, 95%CI=7.95–18.09, P<0.001); the scores for the postoperative appearance of incision and patient-satisfaction in SILC group were higher than those in CLC group (WMD=1.21, 95%CI=0.70–1.72, P<0.001; WMD=0.76, 95%CI=0.53–1.00, P<0.001); the postoperative complications, postoperative pain scores and lengths of hospital stay between the two group showed no statistical difference (RR=1.13, 95%CI=0.87–1.48, P=0.35; WMD=0.03, 95%CI=–0.82–0.88, P=0.95; WMD=–0.06, 95%CI=–0.40–0.28, P=0.73). Conclusion: For uncomplicated cases of benign gallbladder disease, SILC is a safe and effective surgical procedure with the advantages of a good cosmetic incision and high patient satisfaction.