Single Port Access surgery is an advanced minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the surgeon operates almost exclusively through a single entry point, typically the patient’s belly button. All of the instruments necessary for the surgery are used through this single incision inside the belly button. After surgery the scar is nearly completely hidden.
SPA surgical procedures are like standard laparoscopic surgeries in that the patient is under general anesthesia and laparoscopic visualization and techniques are utilized. However since the entire surgery is performed through the belly button, it does not leave any visible scar like a traditional multi-port laparoscopic approach. By reducing the number of incisions, there is the potential for reduced pain, faster recovery and a nearly scarless surgery.
This technique is currently used to perform surgery for the gallbladder, appendix, and ovary. While every patient may not be a candidate for SPA surgery, the techniques can be still used to reduce the number of incisions a patient may need.