Published online Jan 14, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i2.659
Peer-review started: July 6, 2015
First decision: August 26, 2015
Revised: September 9, 2015
Accepted: November 19, 2015
Article in press: November 19, 2015
Published online: January 14, 2016
Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a minimally invasive platform with specific benefits over traditional multiport laparoscopic surgery. The safety and feasibility of SILS has been proven, and the applications continue to grow with experience. After 500 cases at a high-volume, single-institution, we were able to standardize instrumentation and operative steps, as well as develop adaptations in technique to help overcome technical and ergonomic challenges. These technical adaptations have allowed the successful application of SILS to technically difficult patient populations, such as pelvic cases, inflammatory bowel disease cases, and high body mass index patients. This review is a frame of reference for the application and wider integration of the single incision laparoscopic platform in colorectal surgery.
Core tip: As the surgery paradigm progresses towards natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a valuable minimally invasive platform with specific clinical benefits. After experience from 500 SILS cases, we were able to standardize instrumentation and operative steps, and have developed technical adaptations for successful application in difficult patient populations. This review is a frame of reference for the application and wider integration of the single incision laparoscopic platform in colorectal surgery.