Transumbilical Single-Incision Laparoscopic Multiple Organ Procedures: Initial Experience of 20 Cases

Abstract

Cure of disease with the least possible injury is an ideal of surgery. Herein we share our experience with transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic multiple organ procedures using conventional instruments. We reviewed data from 20 patients who underwent transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery of multiple organs between May 2009 and March 2012 at Shengjing Hospital. All 20 patients had laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which was combined with appendectomy in 16 patients, resection of hepatic hemangiomas in 2 patients, and partial gastrectomy for gastric mesenchymal tumor in 2 patients. All procedures were successful with conventional laparoscopic instruments placed through a single operating portal of entry created within the umbilicus. All the operations were successfully completed without conversion to conventional laparoscopic or open surgery. No intraoperative complications occurred. Patients were satisfied with the therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes. Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic combined procedures appear to be a technically feasible alternative to standard laparoscopic procedures in simultaneous management of two different coexisting pathologies. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings.