Single-incision laparoscopic splenectomy with conventional instruments: preliminary experience in consecutive...

To study the feasibility and efficiency of transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery splenectomy (SILS-Sp) using conventional instruments in consecutive patients and to compare outcomes of the procedure with those of standard multiple-incision laparoscopic splenectomy (MLS).

A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate all SILS-Sp procedures performed by a single surgeon between March 2010 and January 2013. Additionally, patients who underwent MLS by other surgeons in the same surgical group during the same period were evaluated to serve as a control group. Demographic data, operative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were assessed.

Thirteen patients underwent successful SILS-Sp during the study period without conversion to an open procedure or requiring additional ports. The median operative time was 165 minutes. There was 7.7% morbidity and no mortality in the study group. Median length of stay was 8.8 days. Additionally, 12 patients who underwent MLS were evaluated for comparison. No significant differences were identified in the preoperative patient characteristics between the two groups. For MLS, the median operative time was 158 minutes. There was 8.3% morbidity and no mortality in the group. Median length of stay was 8.3 days. SILS-Sp using conventional instruments was associated with reduced postoperative pain scores, but this did not reach statistical significance. The operative time, conversion rate, and length of stay were equivalent. The mortality, morbidity, and cost were also similar in the two groups. The umbilical incision of the single-incision group can be easily hidden in the umbilical fold with ideal cosmetic result.

SILS-Sp is feasible and efficient in an unselected patient population in the hands of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. The single-incision technique is comparable to standard laparoscopic splenectomy in terms of operative time and perioperative outcomes. Ideal cosmetic effect may be its potential advantage.