Laparoscopic surgery is preferred by physicians and patients due to the benefits it offers over traditional surgery, such as reduced recovery time and smaller scars. At UT Southwestern Medical Center, patients have the option of the latest advance in this surgical technique – Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS).

(top to bottom) Representations of a traditional surgery scar, laparoscopic surgery scars and a SILS scar

SILS represents the latest and most widely-used laparoscopic surgery development since laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal through small incisions) was introduced more than 20 years ago. As a laparoscopic procedure, SILS further minimizes the discomfort and recovery often associated with surgery.

Traditional laparoscopic surgery involves multiple entry points with multiple small incisions and resulting scars. In contrast, Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery is achieved with one access point through the patient’s navel, resulting in a nearly invisible scar.

Other potential benefits of SILS include:

• Reduced pain
• Short hospital stay, if any
• Faster recovery
• Reduced chance of wound-related complications, such as infections, bleeding and hernias

Some of the procedures that can be performed with this technique include:

• Gallbladder removal
• Removal of the appendix
• Lap Band placement
• Hysterectomy
• Nephrectomy (removal of kidney)
• Adrenalectomy (removal of adrenal gland)

UT Southwestern surgeons have been performing SILS procedures for nearly two years. They are the international leaders in the procedure - with one of the largest number of SILS procedures performed - and teach SILS to other surgeons from the around the world.