June 29, 2011

Single Port Surgery allows surgeons at Martha Jefferson Hospital to operate on patients using just one incision at the belly button.

“Through this port the opening in the abdomen is kept open," Dr. Katherine Trahan said of the minimally invasive technique. "There are channels within the port that I can use instruments and place a camera into the abdomen."

Using Single Port Surgery, surgeons like Dr. Trahan can work in all areas of the abdomen, offering a new option to patients undergoing gallbladder and bariatric procedures. The process has been used at Martha Jefferson for almost a year, and surgeons soon hope to start employing the technique through other parts of the body as well.

“The potential advantages for laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery include less pain, less complication, certainly there's a cosmetic benefit and sometimes these procedures that require less anesthesia, but the biggest advantage is for technology,” Dr. Trahan explained.

While this new spin on an old technique allows a smaller incision and an easier recovery process, it may not be best for everyone. Whether it's Single Port Surgery or another type of surgery it's up to the patient and doctor to decide.

While Single Port Surgery is still fairly new, it's already made a difference for several patients. Given a little more time Martha Jefferson surgeons are hoping this type of surgery will be able to help even more patients get the care they need with a quicker recovery.