Background: This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of single-port surgery (SPS) for laparoscopic extraperitoneal aortic dissection.
Methods: From December 2010 to April 2011, all patients referred for aortic lymph node staging underwent a laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach with a single-port device. The extraperitoneal approach was performed using only one 3-4 cm incision on the left side. Gelpoint from Applied Medical (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA), a 10-mm 0° laparoscope, and 5-mm standard instruments were used.
Results: The study enrolled 13 patients. Aortic dissection was complete for 11 patients and incomplete for 2 patients. The mean lymph node count was 16 (range, 7-40). The mean blood loss was 40.7 ml (range, 0-100 ml), and no transfusion was necessary. The mean hospital stay was 1.7 days (range, 1-4 days) for this series.
Conclusion: The study results demonstrate the feasibility of single-port-access laparoscopy for extraperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy. The lymph node count was similar to that described in the published experience of conventional laparoscopic extraperitoneal dissection. This preliminary report shows that SPS is usable for extraperitoneal aortic dissection and that it is possible to perform this procedure using only one skin incision compared with the three or four incisions required for conventional laparoscopy.