Single-port access laparoscopic radical left colectomy in humans

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Transumbilical single-port access (SPA) surgery merges cosmetic benefits of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) with standard laparoscopic instruments.
• SPA surgery is an evolving field with potential advantages in minimally invasive procedures.

Observation:

• A transumbilical single-port access radical left colectomy was performed for sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma in situ.
• A concurrent single-port access cholecystectomy was completed for chronic cholecystitis.

Findings:

• Transumbilical SPA radical left colectomy is feasible using conventional laparoscopic instruments.
• A 39-cm specimen with adequate margins and 34 lymph nodes was resected.
• The procedure, including cholecystectomy, took 213 minutes with no complications.

Implications:

• SPA radical left colectomy can be safely performed by experienced surgeons, adhering to oncologic principles.
• SPA colectomy may offer advantages over NOTES, providing laparoscopic safety.
• Further research is needed to determine patient benefits beyond cosmesis compared to standard laparoscopic colectomy.