Devices for laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in urology

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Laparoscopic Surgery

Background:

• The surgical field continuously seeks to minimize invasiveness.
• This has driven the development of techniques reducing or eliminating abdominal wall trocars.
• Approaches evolved from NOTES and SILS to the current consensus term: laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the evolution and current state of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS).
• To highlight technological advancements enabling single-port access.
• To emphasize the importance of surgical skill in LESS.

Main Methods:

• Review of evolving surgical techniques towards single-port access.
• Description of technological advancements in laparoscopic ports and articulating instruments.
• Discussion of instrument types enabling intracorporeal triangulation.

Main Results:

• Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) represents a paradigm shift enabled by new technology.
• Specialized ports and articulating instruments facilitate complex maneuvers through a single incision.
• Commercially available articulating graspers, shears, and needle drivers are key components.

Conclusions:

• Successful LESS relies on advanced laparoscopic skills and specialized instrumentation.
• Technological innovations are crucial for the advancement of single-port surgery.
• LESS offers a more minimal approach to minimally invasive surgery.