Single-access surgery laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy

The objective of this study was to achieve an ideal cosmetic result and minimize the access trauma to the abdominal wall. The authors developed a technique to perform cholecystectomies and appendectomies with only one incision in the umbilicus. With the upcoming idea of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) in the recent years and noticing the lack of feasibility of the technique for the daily routine beside the technique described by these authors, another development was raising the interest of the surgeons around the world. The single-access surgery through the umbilicus is a technique, that can be used in the daily routine and provides the best cosmetic results. Furthermore, injury of the abdominal wall is located at only one site, which might reduce the rate of trocar hernias and abdominal wall infections. Two 5.5-mm trocars were inserted through an incision at the upper edge of the umbilicus. After perforation of the abdominal wall with a stylet of a 5.5-mm trocar, a curved grasper was inserted, without the use of a trocar, into the abdominal cavity. The use of curved instruments facilitates better triangulation and instrument handling. No gas leakage was observed due to the nonexistence of a trocar. Dissection of the Calot' s triangle or appendix vessels can be done with standard instruments. The curved grasper allows retraction of the gallbladder or appendix. The specimen can be removed through the umbilical incision. The authors present a single-access surgery technique for cholecystectomies and appendectomies using curved instruments. The single-access surgery with parallel inserted curved instruments is feasible. No additional complications are related to this modification other than those known to be associated with laparoscopic surgery. This method offers an almost scarless surgery. Whether other advantages such as less trocar hernias, wound infections, and/or a faster recovery can be achieved, it has not yet to be proven.