Laparo-endoscopic single-site sleeve gastrectomy: results from a preliminary series of selected patients

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has received recognition in the treatment of patients with morbid obesity and BMI <40 kg/m2 and high-risk patients with BMI >50 kg/m2. Conventional LSG usually requires the placement of four or more trocars. Recently, newly designed access devices have allowed a single-incision laparoscopic approach; however, the clinical application of this method is still limited. We describe the operative steps of laparo-endoscopic single-site (LESS) sleeve gastrectomy and report the preliminary results: in 12 selected patients. The functional results did not differ significantly from those of standard LSG, with a median excess weight loss of 79% twelve months after surgery. Furthermore, cosmetic results seemed to be improved and postoperative pain reduced compared to standard LSG.