Single-incision laparoscopy, also known as single-port surgery, is a special type of minimally invasive surgery for certain abdominal conditions. It allows the surgeon to complete the entire surgery with one single entry through the belly button.
At UMass Memorial Medical Center, our board-certified colon and rectal surgeons may use this technique as an alternative to more invasive types of abdominal surgery. It is particularly well suited to treating colon polyps, colon cancer and certain types of diverticulitis.
Key advantages of single-incision laparoscopy
With single-incision laparoscopy, the surgeon makes only one incision. So it magnifies the benefits of other types of minimally invasive surgeries.
- Less pain
- Less risk of infection and complications
- Less bleeding
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
- Less risk of bowel obstructions after surgery
- Quicker return to normal activities
How single-incision laparoscopy works
Instead of making three to four incisions as with other types of minimally invasive surgeries, the surgeon makes just one incision in the belly button area.
All of the small laparoscopic instruments are inserted through this one incision.
The surgeon completes the procedure, which may involve removing colon polyps or certain sections of the colon affected by colon cancer or diverticulitis.
This is just one of the many medical advances that you can conveniently access at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, MA.
Other medical advances: