Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

My Program For Life Surgeon's Dr. Abkin, Dr. Bertha, and Dr. Iannace are the first in New Jersey to utilize the technique known as Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) for adjustable gastric banding. Rather than the traditional four to five small incisions, a single small incision is used at the entry point. All surgical instruments are placed through this small incision located in the left abdomen at umbilicus (known as the belly button).

Through this entryway, the surgeon places an access port that holds the special cameras and instruments during surgery. The surgery takes about the same amount of time to perform as traditional laparoscopic surgeries. However, SILS is more complex because it involves manipulating three articulating instruments through one access port. In some cases the surgeon may need to make a second, small incision in the patient's abdomen to complete the surgery.

Excess weight, severe adhesions, significant infection or scar tissue from prior surgeries might increase the need for a second incision or prohibit the patient from undergoing the gastric banding using the SILS procedure. Therefore, the SILS procedure may not be suitable for every patient. Doctors Abkin, Bertha, and Iannace will review your medical condition and evaluate every patient for medical suitability for utilizing this procedure for placement of the gastric band device.

The key benefits of Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery:

• Fewer Incisions -Typically this surgery requires only one small incision.
• Health and Cosmetic - With fewer incisions there is less chance of infection, less scarring and better cosmetic results.
• Faster Recovery Times -Although laparoscopic gastric banding is currently performed using minimally invasive techniques and patients generally go home the same day as the surgery, SILS results in even shorter recovery times.