Novel Port Enables Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

The advanced device reduces the four 12.7 mm or smaller incisions normally associated with traditional laparoscopic surgery to a single 20-mm skin incision, resulting in a hidden scar when used in the umbilicus. The SILS device consists of a blue flexible soft-foam port, with access channels for three cannulae; the basic 5-mm cannula may be interchanged at any time during the procedure to a 12-mm cannula.

Adjustable cannulae within the port allow for maximal maneuverability of instruments, and provide stability and support to hand instruments; the SILS Port adapts its configuration to the size of the cannulae, maintaining the pneumoperitoneum, and a two-way stopcock delivers easy insufflation or smoke evacuation. Expanded inner cannula diameters contribute to smooth instrument exchange, accommodating a wide variety of laparoscopic instrument brands. The SILS Port is a product of Covidien (Dublin, Ireland), and is available six unit packs.

"The demand for single-incision laparoscopic surgery, an exciting and innovative technique, is increasing rapidly,” said Kevin Stepp, M.D., director of gynecologic surgical education at the Metro Health (Cleveland, OH, USA) obstetrics and gynecology residency program. "Medically and economically favorable, SILS procedures benefit patients and healthcare providers.”

"Single incision laparoscopic surgery is proving to be the next evolution in minimal access surgery. More and more, surgeons are adopting and patients are requesting SILS procedures,” said Homero Rivas, M.D., an assistant professor of surgery and co-director of the minimally invasive surgery fellowship program at the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas, USA). "It would not be surprising if, in a few years, single incision laparoscopic surgery becomes the universal surgical access choice.”

Related Links:
Covidien
MetroHealth
University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center