Purpose: Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy is a common procedure for colorectal disease, and laparoscopic colectomy from a single access point is rapidly evolving. This report describes the use of single-access laparoscopic colectomy (SALC) with a novel multiport device in sigmoidectomy for colon cancer.
Methods: Data were collected retrospectively on 5 patients who underwent the procedure for colon cancers in the period from November 2008 through January 2009. The abdomen was approached through a 3- to 4-cm incision via the umbilicus in every case. To ensure maintenance of the pneumoperitoneum, the procedure was performed with a specially developed multiport device enveloped by a glove containing 3 5-mm ports. In all 5 patients, the root of the inferior mesenteric artery was isolated and divided at the distal side where the left colic artery branched off.
Results: The median total surgical time was 185 (range, 176-210) minutes. In all patients, surgical blood loss was slight (range, 0-20 mL). Only one patient required conversion into laparoscopic-assisted colectomy by the addition of 2 ports, because the location adjacent to the descending colon made it necessary to mobilize the splenic flexure. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 17 (range, 12-24). No postoperative complications occurred. The postoperative hospital stay was 7 days for every patient.
Conclusions: Single-access laparoscopic sigmoidectomy seems to be feasible and safe when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons who are familiar with the unique principles of this procedure. Additional experience and continued investigations are warranted.