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Would fewer port numbers in laparoscopy produce better cosmesis? Prospective study
Taejong Song1, Mi Kyoung Kim1, Mi-La Kim1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea.
Study Objective:
To determine whether fewer ports in laparoscopic adnexal surgery would lead to better cosmesis.
Design:
Prospective comparative study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).
Setting:
University hospital.
Patients:
One hundred thirty consecutive patients with adnexal tumors.
Interventions:
Patients underwent laparoscopy using a single port (n = 75), 2 ports (n = 22), or 4 ports (n = 33). Cosmetic satisfaction was assessed using a validated Body Image Questionnaire at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after surgery.
Measurements And Main Results:
Patient characteristics (age, parity, and sociodemographic data), details of the procedures performed, and histologic findings were similar between the 3 surgical groups. There was also no difference in number of conversions to other surgical approaches, operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain, and perioperative complications. Compared with the 2- and 4-port groups, the single-port group reported substantially greater cosmetic satisfaction at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after surgery. However, there was no important difference in cosmetic outcome throughout follow-up in the 2-t and 4-port groups.
Conclusion:
Unlike 2- or 4-port laparoscopy, single-port laparoscopy has a definite benefit in cosmetic satisfaction.
