What’s Single Incision Surgery?

Everyone wants to know what the next big thing is, be it where to go, who’s doing what, of how it’s being done. In the field of laparoscopic surgery, it’s SINGLE INCISION surgery. There have been a few other hot topics, like robotic surgery and NOTES, but these don’t have the same potential to significantly transform how we do surgery across America.

SINGLE INCISION surgery is exactly what it states: the surgeon only makes one small cut to perform the operation. There are a lot of different names for this technique like SILS, LESS, and SPA, but they pretty much mean the same. Generally, the one cut is only about an inch long, and can often be hidden within the belly button fold. The technique is considerably more difficult that the traditional approach of making multiple small cuts. With new training and new instruments designed specifically for single incision surgery, the popularity of this method will grow.

Why would patients be interested in SINGLE INCISION surgery? Well, if the operation can be performed safely and efficiently, then why not have a surgery with a hidden scar? Weight loss surgeons currently can perform Bands and Sleeves via this technique. Don’t be shy to ask your surgeon if they do laparoscopic surgery, and if they do, can they perform SINGLE INCISION.