Single‐port laparoscopic surgery, the new evolution of endoscopic surgery

AbstractIntroduction: Laparoscopic surgery through a single port is gaining great interest throughout the world. Our group has pioneered and been a leader on these novel techniques. Here we describe our experience based on a model of single‐port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Materials and Methods: From January 2008 until August 2009, over 200 patients have undergone single‐port laparoscopic surgery at our institution. Here, we analyze a cohort of the initial 100 cholecystectomies in order to evaluate a proposed technique, common challenges, the learning curve and potential solutions.Results: Single‐port laparoscopic surgery was feasible in all patients from this cohort. Patients were strictly selected. Operating times similar to those of conventional laparoscopy were only achieved after completing 50 cases. Common technical challenges included clashing instruments, deflection of laparoscope due to conflict with light source, and organ retraction. Acceptance by surgeons and lack of patience and time may become significant obstacles that prevent the procedure's widespread adoption. The excellent aesthetic results are superior to laparoscopy. Other benefits of laparoscopy are preser