A single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy, also known as a single incision laparoscopic surgery or SILS, is a type of minimally invasive operation that is used to remove a damaged or problematic gallbladder. Others refer to it as a “keyhole” operation because the procedure involves one small incision, which often resembles that of a keyhole on a door. Below, we take a closer look at the operation and explain why the procedure may be performed.
SILS Procedure For Gallbladder Problems
There are a number of reasons why a person may need to undergo gallbladder removal surgery. We touch on them more in depth in this blog post, but some of the most common reasons include gallbladder inflammation, the development of gallstones, or the onset of tumors. Since you can live just fine without your gallbladder (and a few small lifestyle adjustments), removal of the organ is often preferred than to try and remove the stones or cure an ailment that has potential to return.
In the standard gallbladder removal operation, the surgeon makes for small incisions in your abdomen through which tools and a camera are inserted. Using these devices, the surgeon disengages the gallbladder and removes it from the body. The surgeon then closes up the four holes, and the patient is taken off to a recovery room.
With SILS, the surgeon only makes a single small incision, about two centimeters in size, through which the surgeon inserts a laparoscope to act as their eyes. Carbon dioxide gas is then administered into the abdomen to lift the abdominal wall, giving the surgeon room to operate. This gives enough room for the surgeon to access the gallbladder with long, thin instruments, and the gallbladder is disengaged and removed from the body. Once removed, the surgeon closes the one incision site and the patient is sent off the a recovery room. Medical statistics show that both procedures are very safe, and the only advantage SILS has is cosmetic in nature.
Am I A Candidate For SILS Gallbladder Removal?
If both procedures are safe and effective, and SILS leaves the patient with fewer scars, why isn’t it the standard procedure for gallbladder removal? For starters, the SILS gallbladder removal operation isn’t right for everyone. Patients with known reactions to the carbon dioxide gas will not be candidates for the procedure. Moreover, since the four incision technique is the standard, most gallbladder surgeons are more practiced in this procedure, which means there’s a decreased risk of complications. Also, SILS gallbladder surgery is not recommended for individuals who are obese, who have severe adhesions or have scarring from previous surgeries. Finally, some surgery centers may not have the specific tools to perform this more unique operation.
If you’ve been told that you need gallbladder surgery and you think you may be a candidate for a single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy, ask your doctor about your options. The procedure can minimize scarring, decrease infection risk and give the patient a quicker recovery time. It’s a great potential option, but only if you’re the ideal candidate. For more information or to talk to a gallbladder surgeon about your options, reach out to Dr. Koeplin’s office today.
