Urologic Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Surgery (LESS): current status

The evolution of minimally invasive surgery led to the development of laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS).

The feasibility of almost all types of urologic procedures has been shown. Comparative series between conventional laparoscopy and LESS for different kidney procedures suggest a non-inferiority of LESS over standard laparoscopy but the only objective benefit remains an improved cosmetic outcome. Challenging ergonomics, instruments clashing, lacks of true triangulation, in-line vision are the main concerns of LESS surgery. LESS pre-bent and articulating instruments have been designed but only experienced laparoscopists and well-selected patients are pivotal for a successful LESS procedure. Da Vinci® assisted LESS procedures have been performed. The available robotic platform remains bulky, but innovative instruments and platforms may facilitate the future unrestricted development of LESS.

A steep learning curve limits the application of LESS procedures to well trained and experienced surgeons. Nevertheless, the adoption of LESS principles and the clinical experience with LESS techniques have significantly grown in the past few years worldwide. Improvements in the instruments and platforms will expand the application of LESS surgery, allowing us to better assess its advantages and disadvantages compared to other minimally invasive procedures.