Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a recent innovation in weight loss surgery that offers many advantages for the patient. With increasing numbers of Americans suffering from obesity, bariatric surgery is progressively more common for weight control.

Traditional Bariatric Procedures

Prior to the introduction of laparoscopic techniques, one large incision was made in the abdomen allowing surgeons access to the stomach. Although it makes the surgery simpler for the surgeon, it has disadvantages to the patient.

The Introduction of Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic techniques were developed, improving recovery time and comfort while decreasing scarring. Rather than making one large incision, several tiny incisions are used. With the aid of a laparoscope, a flexible tube-like surgical instrument that allows the surgeon to perform minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon can see the procedure on a large screen while the operation progresses. This type of surgery has many patient benefits, from faster recovery to minimal pain. Large incisions are becoming a thing of the past.

Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

The next advance in bariatric surgery, single-incision laparoscopic surgery, reduced the number of incisions to just one. This small incision is made in the belly button, completely eliminating unsightly scarring. The use of the laparoscope greatly reduces the risk of infection and bleeding due to the minimal size of the incision.

LAP-BAND surgery is increasingly done using SILS. Through the single incision, a silicone band is placed around the stomach, decreasing the amount of food that can be consumed. A second type of bariatric surgery, also done with the SILS method, is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. This surgery greatly reduces the volume of the stomach while removing the section of the stomach that releases hormones signaling hunger.

Advances continue to be made, as the design of the laparoscope keeps pace with SILS.