Applying single-incision laparoscopic surgery to gyn practice: What’s involved

By using the techniques described in this article and selecting patients carefully, the surgeon can develop expertise in SPLS.^11,14 During the learning process, the use of additional ports or Mini-Lap instruments (Stryker) can reduce the challenges of more difficult procedures and should be considered without reservation, as should the use of articulating accessory instruments and flexible or angled laparoscopes.

Although the clinical benefits of SPLS have yet to be determined, the cosmetic advantage of a single, hidden, umbilical incision likely increases patient satisfaction.

Clearly, the goal of SPLS is to use technology in a way that offers all of the benefits of traditional multiport laparoscopy without any of the limitations. Further study is required to determine whether SPLS meets this standard and, more important, whether it has any advantages over conventional techniques.

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