LIVEWELL MINUTE: Single Port Surgery
Single port surgery is a procedure done through a single entry point, typically the belly button. Surgeons employing this technique contend that patients should benefit from less post-operative pain, less blood loss, faster recovery time, fewer complications, and better cosmetic results.
Dr. Stephen Elg, Gynecologic Oncologist, The Iowa Clinic says, “Single incision surgery is being used in general surgery for procedures like appendectomies and removal of gall bladders. The advantage of it is that through a single incision it’s virtually scarless.”
Surgeons insert specialized tools developed for single-incision surgery through a 1/2-inch incision in the bellybutton. The tools include a flexible camera and an instrument to cut and suture. Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures such as this usually require four small incisions for separate insertion of the instrumentation.
Dr. Elg says, “In my field of gynecologic oncology, we have developed the only single incision program in the state. Trying to be able to offer this procedure to patients with gynecologic malignancies or pre-cancerous lesions of the female reproductive tract.”
