Background/aims: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is gaining popularity as a minimally invasive surgery. However, SILS distal pancreatectomy (SILS-DP) remains a challenging surgical procedure. In this study, we describe our initial experience with five cases of SILS-DP.
Methodology: We present an initial series of SILS-DP, performed between August 2010 and January 2013.
Results: Five patients successfully underwent SILS-DP. The median operative time was 264 min (range, 232-345 min). The median intraoperative blood loss was 71 cc (range, 5-200 cc). All the patients left the hospital in good condition after SILS-DP.
Conclusions: Although SILS-DP is a safe, feasible, and esthetic procedure, a randomized controlled study is required to determine the advantages of SILS-DP in comparison with the standard laparoscopic method.