Single-Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Multiport Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Analysis of 80 Cases in a Single Center

Background: Through efficacy and improved safety, multiport laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LAPS-G) has emerged as an important and broadly available treatment option for people with severe and complex obesity. Because a single-incision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SILS-G) would be less invasive, we applied this novel surgical technique for a selected number of patients enrolled into our minimally invasive bariatric program. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 80 morbidly obese patients who qualified for SILS-G or LAPS-G was performed from January 2011 to May 2012. Results: SILS-G and LAPS-G were performed in 40 patients, respectively. All patients were female. Mean age was 41 (range, 19–73) years (SILS-G, 37 [19–62] years; LAPS-G, 43 [24–73] years; P=not significant). Preoperative body mass index was 40.8 (35.1–45.0) kg/m2 in the SILS-G group and 43.8 (35.0–47.8) kg/m2 in the LAPS-G group (P=not significant). Total operative time was significantly lower in the SILS-G group (85±21 minutes) compared with the LAPS-G group (97±26 minutes) (P<.05). Median percentage excess weight loss was comparable in both groups (SILS-G, 57.2%; LAPS-G, 53.7%) at 6.6 months after surgery. Mean hospital stay was 5 days (SILS-G, 5 [4–24] days; LAPS-G, 6 [4–14] days; P=not significant). Complication rates were low in both groups: leakage, 2.5% in SILS-G and 0% in LAPS-G; bleeding, 2.5% in SILS-G and 2.5% in LAPS-G; and trocar-site hernia, 0% in both groups. Patients operated on with single-incision laparoscopy had a significantly better cosmetic outcome as assessed by a scar satisfaction assessment questionnaire (P<.01). Conclusions: SILS-G is a feasible and safe operative procedure that leads to a significant reduction of total operative time compared with a multiport access procedure. Further potential benefits associated with single-incision laparoscopic surgery remain to be investigated objectively.