Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for giant hepatic cyst

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Laparoscopic fenestration is standard for symptomatic hepatic cysts due to low recurrence and minimal pain.
• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is increasingly accepted across various surgical procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and safety of single-incision laparoscopic fenestration.
• To introduce a novel surgical technique for hepatic cyst management.

Main Methods:

• Six cases of single-incision laparoscopic fenestration were performed between February 2010 and March 2011.
• A SILS Port was used with a flexible laparoscope and articulating grasper; dissection utilized a bipolar vessel sealer.
• All procedures were completed without conversion to multiport laparoscopy or open surgery.

Main Results:

• Successful SILS in all patients with minimal intraoperative blood loss.
• Median operative time was 144 minutes; patients discharged on postoperative day 3.
• Median follow-up of 15.5 months showed no complications or recurrence, with nearly unnoticeable umbilical incisions.

Conclusions:

• Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for giant hepatic cyst fenestration is safe and feasible.
• SILS is a reproducible technique comparable to conventional laparoscopic surgery.
• The technique offers cosmetic benefits with minimal scarring.