30-day morbidity and mortality of revisional bariatric surgery - An international multi-centre collaborative (BROAD) study.

INTRODUCTION: Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) for insufficient weight loss/weight regain or metabolic relapse is increasing worldwide. There is currently no large multinational, prospective data on 30-day morbidity and mortality of RBS. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the 30-day morbidity and mortality of RBS at participating centres. METHODS: An international steering group was formed to oversee the study. The steering group members invited bariatric surgeons worldwide to participate in this study. Ethical approval was obtained at the lead centre. Data were collected prospectively on all consecutive RBS patients operated between 15th May 2021 to 31st December 2021. Revisions for complications were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 65 global centres submitted data on 750 patients. Sleeve gastrectomy (n = 369, 49.2 %) was the most common primary surgery for which revision was performed. Revisional procedures performed included Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 41.1 % (n = 308) patients, One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) in 19.3 % (n = 145), Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) in 16.7 % (n = 125) and other procedures in 22.9 % (n = 172) patients. Indications for revision included weight regain in 615(81.8 %) patients, inadequate weight loss in 127(16.9 %), inadequate diabetes control in 47(6.3 %) and diabetes relapse in 27(3.6 %). 30-day complications were seen in 80(10.7 %) patients. Forty-nine (6.5 %) complications were Clavien Dindo grade 3 or higher. Two patients (0.3 %) died within 30 days of RBS. CONCLUSION: RBS for insufficient weight loss/weight regain or metabolic relapse is associated with 10.7 % morbidity and 0.3 % mortality. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most common primary procedure to undergo revisional bariatric surgery, while Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most commonly performed revision.

Global 30-Day Morbidity and Mortality of Primary Bariatric Surgery Combined with Another Procedure: The BLEND Study.

BACKGROUND: No robust data are available on the safety of primary bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) alone compared to primary BMS combined with other procedures. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to collect a 30-day mortality and morbidity of primary BMS combined with cholecystectomy, ventral hernia repair, or hiatal hernia repair. SETTING: This is as an international, multicenter, prospective, and observational audit of patients undergoing primary BMS combined with one or more additional procedures. METHODS: The audit took place from January 1 to June 30, 2022. A descriptive analysis was conducted. A propensity score matching analysis compared the BLEND study patients with those from the GENEVA cohort to obtain objective evaluation between combined procedures and primary BMS alone. RESULTS: A total of 75 centers submitted data on 1036 patients. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most commonly primary BMS (N = 653, 63%), and hiatal hernia repair was the most commonly concomitant procedure (N = 447, 43.1%). RYGB accounted for the highest percentage (20.6%) of a 30-day morbidity, followed by SG (10.5%). More than one combined procedures had the highest morbidities among all combinations (17.1%). Out of overall 134 complications, 129 (96.2%) were Clavien-Dindo I-III, and 4 were CD V. Patients who underwent a primary bariatric surgery combined with another procedure had a pronounced increase in a 30-day complication rate compared with patients who underwent only BMS (12.7% vs. 7.1%). CONCLUSION: Combining BMS with another procedure increases the risk of complications, but most are minor and require no further treatment. Combined procedures with primary BMS is a viable option to consider in selected patients following multi-disciplinary discussion.

Laparoscopic right colectomy: correct technique based on key anatomical principles.

Since the early1990s, laparoscopic right colon resections have been the most performed advanced laparoscopic procedures just after laparoscopic left colectomies and sigmoid resections. Indications for laparoscopic right colectomies are either benign or malignant diseases. Despite its many indications, a laparoscopic right or extended right colectomy is mostly performed for cancer of the caecum, the ascending colon, the hepatic flexure or the proximal transverse colon. Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer: an estimated 1,880,725 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2020, out of which 1,148,515 were colon cancer cases and 40% were located in the right colon. These figures make an oncologic sound surgery for right colon cancer of the utmost relevance. More recently, complete mesocolic excision has been advocated as the optimal choice in term of radicality, especially in node-positive patients with right colon cancer. Laparoscopic standard right colectomy and extended right colectomy with or without CME should be performed according to defined principles based on a close knowledge of key anatomical landmarks. This knowledge will allow to trace anatomical structures and drive instruments along the correct surgical planes and has its foundations in teachings from surgeons and scientists of past and present time.

Facelift thyroid surgery: a systematic review of indications, surgical and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate indications, surgical and functional outcomes of robotic or endoscopic facelift thyroid surgery (FTS) and whether FTS reported comparable outcomes of other surgical approaches. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. REVIEW METHODS: A literature search was conducted about indications, clinical and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent FTS using PICOTS and PRISMA Statements. Outcomes reviewed included age; gender; indications; pathology; functional evaluations; surgical outcomes and complications. RESULTS: Fifteen papers met our inclusion criteria, accounting for 394 patients. Endoscopic or robotic FTS was carried out for benign and malignant thyroid lesions, with or without central neck dissection. Nodule size and thyroid lobe volume did not exceed 6, 10 cm, respectively. FTS reported comparable outcome with transaxillary or oral approaches about operative time, complication rates or drainage features. The mean operative time ranged from 88 to 220 min, depending on the type of surgery (endoscopic vs robotic hemi- or total thyroidectomy). Conversion to open surgery was rare, occurring in 0-6.3% of cases. The most common complications were earlobe hypoesthesia, hematoma, seroma, transient hypocalcemia and transient recurrent nerve palsy. There was an important disparity between studies about the inclusion/exclusion criteria, surgical and functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: FTS is a safe and effective approach for thyroid benign and malignant lesions. FTS reports similar complications to conventional thyroidectomy and excellent cosmetic satisfaction.

A SAGES technology and value assessment and pediatric committee evaluation of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation.

BACKGROUND: The TAVAC and Pediatric Committees of SAGES evaluated the current use of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation to better understand the role this category of devices plays in the delivery of minimally invasive surgery today. METHODS: The role of mini-laparoscopic instrumentation, defined as minimally invasive instruments of between 1 and 4 mm in diameter, was assessed by an exhaustive review of the peer reviewed literature on the subject between 1990 and 2021. The instruments, their use, and their perceived value were tabulated and described. RESULTS: Several reported studies propose a value to using mini-laparoscopic instrumentation over the use of larger instruments or as minimally invasive additions to commonly performed procedures. Additionally, specifically developed smaller-diameter instruments appear to be beneficial additions to our minimally invasive toolbox. CONCLUSIONS: The development of small instrumentation for the effective performance of minimally invasive surgery, while perhaps best suited to pediatric populations, proves useful as adjuncts to a wide variety of adult surgical procedures. Mini-laparoscopic instrumentation thus proves valuable in selected cases.

The SAGES MASTERS program presents: the 10 seminal articles for the Laparoscopic Right Colectomy Pathway.

BACKGROUND: As one of the 12 clinical pathways of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Masters Program, the Colorectal Pathway intends to deliver didactic content organized along 3 levels of performance (competency, proficiency and mastery) each represented by an anchoring procedure (laparoscopic right colectomy, laparoscopic left/sigmoid colectomy, and intracorporeal anastomosis during minimally invasive (MIS) ileocecal or right colon resection). In this article, the SAGES Colorectal Task Force presents focused summaries of the top 10 seminal articles selected for laparoscopic right colectomy which surgeons should be familiar with. METHODS: Using a systematic literature search of Web of Science, the most cited articles on laparoscopic right colectomy were identified, reviewed, and ranked by the SAGES Colorectal Task Force and invited subject experts. Additional articles not identified in the literature search were included if deemed impactful by expert consensus. The top 10 ranked articles were then summarized, with emphasis on relevance and impact in the field, findings, strengths and limitations, and conclusions. RESULTS: The top 10 seminal articles selected for the laparoscopic right colectomy anchoring procedure include articles on surgical techniques for benign and malignant disease, with anatomical and video illustrations, comparative outcomes of laparoscopic vs open colectomy, variations in technique with impact on clinical outcomes, and assessment of the learning curve. CONCLUSIONS: The top 10 seminal articles selected for laparoscopic right colectomy illustrate the diversity both in content and format of the educational curriculum of the SAGES Masters Program to support practicing surgeon progression to mastery within the Colorectal Pathway.

Single Incision Cholecystectomies for Acute Cholecystitis: A Single Surgeon Series from the Caribbean.

INTRODUCTION: Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is accepted as a safe alternative to conventional multiport laparoscopic (MPL) cholecystectomy for benign gallbladder disease. Since many surgeons carefully select patients without inflammation, there are limited data on SILS for acute cholecystitis. We report a single surgeon experience with SILS cholecystectomy for patients with acute cholecystitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After securing ethical approval, we performed an audit of all SILS cholecystectomies for acute cholecystitis by a single surgeon from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2019. The following data were extracted: patient demographics, intraoperative details, surgical techniques, specialized equipment utilized, conversions (additional port placement), morbidity, and mortality. Data were analyzed using SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: SILS cholecystectomy was performed in 25 females at a mean age of 35 ± 4.1 (SD) years and a mean BMI of 31.9 ± 3.8 (SD) using a direct fascial puncture technique without access platforms. The operations were completed in 83 ± 29.4 minutes (mean ± SD) with an estimated blood loss of 76.9 ± 105 (mean + SD). Three (12%) patients required additional 5 mm port placement (conversions), but no open operations were performed. The patients were hospitalized for 1.96 ± 0.9 days (mean ± SD). There were 2 complications: postoperative superficial SSI (grade I) and a diaphragmatic laceration (grade III). No bile duct injuries were reported. There were 9 patients with complicated acute cholecystitis, and this sub-group had longer mean operating times (109.2 ± 27.3 minutes) and mean postoperative hospital stay (1.3 ± 0.87 days). CONCLUSION: The SILS technique is a feasible and safe approach to perform cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. We advocate a low threshold to place additional ports to assist with difficult dissections for patient safety.

Technique for Reduced Trocar Decapsulation of a Giant Nonparasitic Splenic Cyst.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery is adopted for patients presenting benign splenic cysts. Reduced port laparoscopy is an evolution of conventional laparoscopy, which can be applied for splenic cysts as well. In this video, a 3-trocar laparoscopic decapsulation of a giant nonparasitic splenic cyst is reported. CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old man, without history of trauma or abdominal surgery, suddenly presented abdominal pain in the left hypochondrium, associated to fever and hyperleukocytosis. A thoracoabdominal computed tomography scan showed a giant cyst of the upper pole of the spleen; serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were negatives. Any preoperative vaccine was prescribed. RESULTS: Operative time was 130 minutes, and operative bleeding 10 mL. No additional trocar or conversion to laparotomy was necessary. Postoperatively, 4 g of paracetamol were used for 2 days, when the patient was discharged. Pathology confirmed the nonparasitic epidermoid splenic cyst. At 18 months, the patient is fine, without symptoms and without disease's recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Decapsulation of a giant nonparasitic splenic cyst is feasible to be performed by 3-trocar laparoscopy. This technique allows to improve the patient's comfort and the cosmetic results, to reduce the postoperative pain and to finally avoid a preoperative vaccine.

Characteristics of Early-Onset vs Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Review.

Importance: The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (younger than 50 years) is rising globally, the reasons for which are unclear. It appears to represent a unique disease process with different clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics compared with late-onset colorectal cancer. Data on oncological outcomes are limited, and sensitivity to conventional neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy regimens appear to be unknown. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature on early-onset colorectal cancer. Observations: Within the next decade, it is estimated that 1 in 10 colon cancers and 1 in 4 rectal cancers will be diagnosed in adults younger than 50 years. Potential risk factors include a Westernized diet, obesity, antibiotic usage, and alterations in the gut microbiome. Although genetic predisposition plays a role, most cases are sporadic. The full spectrum of germline and somatic sequence variations implicated remains unknown. Younger patients typically present with descending colonic or rectal cancer, advanced disease stage, and unfavorable histopathological features. Despite being more likely to receive neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, patients with early-onset disease demonstrate comparable oncological outcomes with their older counterparts. Conclusions and Relevance: The clinicopathological features, underlying molecular profiles, and drivers of early-onset colorectal cancer differ from those of late-onset disease. Standardized, age-specific preventive, screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies are required to optimize outcomes.

Laparoscopic Management of Blunt and Penetrating Abdominal Trauma: A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Trauma is a leading cause of death in young patients. The prevalence of blunt and penetrating trauma varies widely across the globe. Similarly, the global experience with laparoscopy in trauma patients also varies. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that laparoscopy is feasible in trauma patients. We sought to contribute to these data by reporting our experience with laparoscopic management of blunt and penetrating trauma in a Belgian center. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data on all trauma patients admitted to the Saint-Pierre University Hospital in Brussels, Belgium, over the 4-year period from January 2014 to December 2017. Hospital records for patients subjected to exploratory laparoscopy were retrospectively reviewed, and a descriptive analysis was reported. Results: There were 26 patients at a mean age of 40 years treated with laparoscopic exploration for injuries from blunt trauma (7), stab wounds (14), and gunshot injuries (5). The median interval between the arrival at the emergency unit and diagnostic laparoscopy was 175 minutes (range: 27-1440), and the median duration of operation was 119 minutes (range: 8-300). In all patients who underwent laparoscopy for trauma, there were 27% overall morbidity, no mortality, 11% reoperation rate, 7.4% conversions, and 19% incidence of negative laparoscopy. The median intensive care unit stay was 3 days (range: 0-41), and median total hospital stay was 7 days (range: 2-78). Conclusions: Laparoscopy is a safe, feasible, and effective tool in the surgical armamentarium to treat hemodynamically stable patients with blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. It allows complete and thorough evaluation of intra-abdominal viscera, reduces the incidence of nontherapeutic operations, and allows therapeutic intervention to repair a variety of injuries. However, it requires appropriate surgeon training and experience with advanced laparoscopic techniques to ensure good outcomes.

Assessing the development status of intraoperative fluorescence imaging for perfusion assessments, using the IDEAL framework.

OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative fluorescence imaging is currently used in a variety of surgical fields for four main purposes: assessing tissue perfusion; identifying/localizing cancer; mapping lymphatic systems; and visualizing anatomy. To establish evidence-based guidance for research and practice, understanding the state of research on fluorescence imaging in different surgical fields is needed. We evaluated the evidence on fluorescence imaging for perfusion assessments using the Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, Long Term Study (IDEAL) framework, which was designed for describing the stages of innovation in surgery and other interventional procedures. DESIGN: Narrative literature review with analysis of IDEAL stage of each field of study. SETTING: All publications on intraoperative fluorescence imaging for perfusion assessments reported in PubMed through 2019 were identified for six surgical procedures: coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, colorectal surgery, solid organ transplantation, reconstructive surgery, and cerebral aneurysm surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The IDEAL stage of research evidence was determined for each specialty field using a previously described approach. RESULTS: 196 articles (15 003 cases) were selected for analysis. Current status of research evidence was determined to be IDEAL Stage 2a for upper GI and transplantation surgery, IDEAL 2b for CABG, colorectal and cerebral aneurysm surgery, and IDEAL Stage 3 for reconstructive surgery. Using the technique resulted in a high (up to 50%) rate of revisions among surgical procedures, but its efficacy improving postoperative outcomes has not yet been demonstrated by randomized controlled trials in any discipline. Only one possible adverse reaction to intravenous indocyanine green was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Using fluorescence imaging intraoperatively to assess perfusion is feasible and appears useful for surgical decision making across a range of disciplines. Identifying the IDEAL stage of current research knowledge aids in planning further studies to establish the potential for patient benefit.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery: Feasibility of the Direct Fascial Puncture Technique Without Working Trocars.

Introduction As single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) became popular, many access platforms and techniques emerged. When we initially described the direct fascial puncture (DFP) technique, many suggested it was not practical for three reasons: (1) increased hernia formation, (2) inability to complete operations without instrument changes and (3) insurmountable instrument drag. This study sought to determine whether the technique was a feasible approach by evaluating the outcomes with DFP-SILS in a single surgeon unit. Methods This was a retrospective audit of all consecutive patients who had unselected SILS operations by a single surgeon. For the DFP-SILS operation, a single optical trocar was used at the umbilicus, a second was rail-roaded beside the optical trocar and a third was directly passed across the fascia at the left-lateral extent of the skin wound. We recorded the number of conversions or failed operations and examined the patients routinely after operation to evaluate for incisional herniae. Results There were 50 DFP-SILS operations performed: 37 cholecystectomies, 12 appendectomies and one jejunal resection. The operations were successful in all cases with no conversions or mortality recorded. One patient (2%) developed a superficial surgical site infection after SILS-DFP appendectomy. The therapeutic outcomes were comparable to existing series of multi-port laparoscopy. There were no incisional herniae detected. Conclusion Even in the resource-poor setting, SILS operations are feasible and safe using the DFP technique. The theoretic concerns have not been realized in clinical practice.

Bouveret's syndrome as a rare complication of cholelithiasis: Disputes in current management and report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION: Bouveret's syndrome is a rare complication of cholelithiasis that determines an unusual type of gallstone ileus, secondary to an acquired fistula between the gallbladder and either the duodenum or stomach with impaction of a large gallbladder stone. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult because of its rarity and the absence of typical symptoms. Adequate treatment consists of endoscopic or surgical removal of obstructive stone. PRESENTATION OF CASES: Two old females patients were admitted to the Emergency Department with a history of abdominal pain associated with bilious vomiting. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension with tympanic percussion of the upper quadrants, abdominal pain on deep palpation of all quadrants and in the first patient positive Murphy's sign. Preoperative diagnosis of gallstone impacted in the duodenum was obtained by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan in the first patient and by esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the second one. Both patients underwent surgery with extraction of the gallstone from the stomach. Postoperative course of two patients was uneventful and they were discharged home. DISCUSSION: Bouveret's syndrome usually presents with signs and symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. Preoperative radiological investigations not always are useful for its diagnosis. Appropriate treatment, endoscopic or surgical, is debated and must be tailored to each patient considering medical condition, age and comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Bouveret's syndrome is a very rare complication of cholelithiasis, difficult to diagnose and suspect, because of lack of pathognomonic symptoms. Nowaday there are no guidelines for the correct management of this pathology. Endoscopic or surgical removal of obstructive stone represents the correct treatment.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Multi-Purpose Operation.

BACKGROUND: Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery (MICS) is continually evolving. The recognition of the anus as a natural orifice to perform MICS has contributed to the development of a new philosophy of treatment called TransAnal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS). Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is one of the most common forms of TAMIS. Other indications include benign diseases and early malignant rectal adenocarcinoma. This report presents the author's experience with TAMIS as a multi-purpose operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and May 2019, 36 patients underwent TAMIS for benign and early malignant diseases (group 1) and 30 patients underwent TaTME (group 2). The mean ± SD age was 60.2 ± 13.9 years (range 28-84) (group 1) and 63.7 ± 8.6 years (47-87) (group 2). The mean ± SD BMI was 26.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2 (19.3-42.9) (group 1) and 25.7 ± 5.9 kg/m2 (17.3-50.7) (group 2). The conditions in group 1 consisted of anastomotic leakage (n=20), benign rectal stenosis (2), anastomotic exploration with lavage and drainage (2), salvage of abdominal dissection (1), rectal ulcus (1), rectal intussusception (1), and removal of early malignant rectal polyps (9). The conditions in group 2 consisted of TaTME associated with single-incision abdominal laparoscopy (19) and conventional abdominal laparoscopy (11). RESULTS: In group 1, the mean operative time was 38.2 ± 19.2 min (range 20-89) for immediate anastomotic leak repair, 90.2 ± 30.4 min (41-120) for early leak repair, 85 ± 67.4 min (30-180) for late leak repair, 45-163 min for rectal stenosis, 25-30 min for pelvic lavage and drainage, 180 min for difficult pelvic dissection, 57 min for rectal ulcus, 127 min for rectal intussusception, and 84.3 ± 28.0 min (50-131) for early malignant rectal polyps. In group 2, the mean operative time was 197.1 ± 63.3 min (96-399). The mean operative bleeding was 14.3 ± 24.7 ml (0-100) in group 1 and 57.0 ± 102.5 ml (0-450) in group 2. In group 1, the mean hospital stay was 11.6 ± 7.2 days (5-27) for immediate leak, 20.7 ± 14.7 days (6-42) for early leak, 2.6 ± 1.6 days (1-5) for late leak, 2-5 days for rectal stenosis, 4-7 days for pelvic lavage and drainage, 17 days for difficult pelvic dissection, 2 days for rectal ulcus, 1 day for rectal intussusception, and 1.3 ± 0.4 days (1-2) for early malignant rectal polyps. In group 2, the mean hospital stay was 11.4 ± 10.0 days (3-49). The early complication rate was 27.7% in group 1 and 40% in group 2. The late complication rate was 8.3% in group 1 and 10% in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: TAMIS is an innovative technique that may be considered for the treatment of benign diseases like anastomotic complications, benign rectal stenosis, anastomotic explorations with lavage and drainage, rectal ulcus, and rectal intussusception. It can be used to search for a good plane of dissection, which cannot be found through the abdominal anterior approach. It can also be adopted for removal of early malignant rectal polyps and for TaTME. The technique described here allows the surgeons to work under ergonomic conditions, with completely reusable materials, and with a magnified view of the operative field, allowing intraluminal surgical sutures.

10-Year Experience with 1700 Single-Incision Laparoscopies.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) was initially reported in the mid-1900's, but remained unpopular until the arrival of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery. It was described not only for surgery involving the digestive system, but also for breast, thoracic, urologic, gynecologic and pediatric surgery. Various studies have proven its feasibility, safety and effectiveness. This report describes the 10-year experience with SIL of a single surgeon at a single institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2009 to May 2019, 1700 abdominal SILs were performed, including: cholecystectomy (475), inguinal hernia repair (319), incisional/ventral hernia repair (293), appendectomy (226), colorectal surgery (158), fundoplication/diaphragmatic hernia repair (72), gastric surgery (54), diagnostic laparoscopy (42), liver surgery (18), small bowel resection (15), splenectomy (12), adrenalectomy (6), gynecologic surgery (6), pancreatic surgery (2), and urologic surgery (2). Three types of incision/access-site were adopted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered. The following outcomes were evaluated: laparoscopic operative time, operative bleeding, supplementary scars or trocars for improved exposure of the operative field and/or control of perioperative complications, final incision length, hospital stay, postoperative pain during hospitalization and after discharge, early and late access-site complications and other early and late general complications. RESULTS: While there were no conversions to open surgery or conventional laparoscopy, a supplementary millimetric instrument or a 5-mm trocar was needed in 27.8% and 0.5% of cases, respectively. No operative or postoperative mortalities were registered. The mean final incision length was between 13.1 and 21.0 mm at the umbilicus, between 43.3 and 57.2 mm suprapubically, and between 21.4 and 36.3 mm in another abdominal quadrant. Postoperative pain decreased from the first hours until the end of hospitalization. The percentage of patients who required an analgesic drug for more than 5 days after discharge ranged between 0 and 16.6%. The early access-site complication rate was 7.5%, and the access-site incisional hernia rate was 1.3%. The other early general complication rate was 10.7%, and reoperation was required in 1.4%. The other late general complication rate was 0.7%, and reoperation was required in 0.5%. CONCLUSION: SIL is a laparoscopic technique that can safely be offered to patients presenting abdominal diseases. The main advantages include enhanced cosmetic results and reduced abdominal trauma. The main disadvantages are patient selection, a longer operative time for some procedures, and a need to expose the operative field for some other procedures.