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SILS – Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery

Surgery has progressed from huge incisions in open surgery to multiple tiny incisions in laparoscopy and now to a single small cut in Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) or scarless surgery.
Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery or SILS is an advanced modification of laparoscopic surgery. Instead of making traditional four to five small incisions, a single small cut is made during SILS through which the surgeon then carries out surgery identical to a traditional laparoscopic one. The laparoscope and all other surgical instruments are inserted through this single incision. In conventional laparoscopic surgery, usually, several small incisions of 0.5 to 1 cm are made while in Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery, only single incision of about 1.5 to 2 cm is made.

In SILS, the incision is typically placed at the patient’s umbilicus and so the scar is hidden and is closed with absorbable subcuticular sutures. This surgery is often known as “SCARLESS” surgery, as when the wound heals, it is almost invisible because it is hidden within the belly button. The healed incision leaves practically no scar, thus making SILS cosmetically a superior option.

Operations which can be performed with SILS

Currently, the following operations can be performed by SILS

  • SILS cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder) for gallbladder stones
  • SILS appendectomy (removal of appendix) for acute and recurrent appendicitis
  • SILS Ovarian Cystectomy for ovarian cysts
  • SILS for ectopic pregnancy

 

Advantages of Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery-

Laparoscopic surgery has generally replaced the need for traditional open surgeries in the abdominal or pelvic cavities. SILS is the most recent technology. Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery has several advantages –

  • Better Cosmetic results
  • Single incision – Typically, this surgery requires only single incision.
  • Less postoperative pain – You will experience less pain after the surgery.
  • Health and cosmetic benefits –As single incision is made during this operation, there is less possibility of infection and there will be less scarring. It gives better cosmetic results.
  • Faster recovery time –You can return to your daily work earlier.