Single-incision laparoscopic surgery, or SILS, is a developing medical field with major advantages. It is a minimally invasive procedure that offers impressive cosmetic results. In the past, surgeons had to make large incisions to perform almost any type of surgery.
There is a significant rise in the popularity of less invasive surgical techniques. This is allowing surgeons to achieve improved outcomes. Improvements in this type of surgical technique allow patients to experience less discomfort. They also enjoy a shorter recovery time. In many clinical scenarios, this technique is replacing the need for open surgery.
What Is SILS?
This is an advanced surgical technique. It allows surgeons to operate only through one incision or entry point. They do not need to make four or more laparoscopic incisions. It is even possible to hide the incision within the belly button. This means that patients do not have to deal with visible scars.
Laparoscopic surgery is the standard of care for many pelvic and abdominal surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to various malignant and benign conditions results in decreased morbidity. According to studies, it also allows for improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays.
SILS Vs. Conventional Laparoscopic
Compared to traditional laparoscopy, the single-cut is the most significant benefit. A single incision significantly lowers the risk of infection and reduces pain. It also expedites patient recovery and tends to be cosmetically more effective than traditional laparoscopic surgery.
The surgeon can insert instruments through the belly button. Thus, the procedure leaves no visible scar. Patients who undergo SILS tend to be happier. This is in terms of pain perception and cosmetic results. This form of surgical procedure also lowers the risk of suffering a major nerve injury. This is a common complication associated with open and conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Treatment of Liver Cancer
SILS is a rapidly evolving surgical technique. Surgeons use it to operate on the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and appendix. This technique offers an advantage when it comes to the treatment of liver cancer. This is especially so for patients who need a second surgery and those who relapse.
The surgeon needs to make a slightly longer cut. This single incision decreases the risk of adhesion, whereby the intestines stick together.
Limitations
Despite its advantages over open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, in certain circumstances, SILS may not be the best option. Some tall patients, for example, cannot undergo this procedure. A surgeon will need surgical instruments that are long enough.
The instruments’ shape may not be ideal for certain procedures. These include those that involve stitching two structures or organs inside the body. When the organ’s position is difficult to reach, SILS becomes a more challenging option. However, surgeons can use another minimally invasive technique. They often use robotic arms to perform surgery.
In certain situations, severe inflammation or a tumor is too close to a major blood vessel. In such cases, no minimally invasive surgical technique is safe. Therefore, patients still need to undergo open surgery.
To learn more about single incision laparoscopic surgery, visit Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York at our office in New York, New York. You can also call 212-879-6677 to book an appointment today.
