Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for the treatment of benign adnexal diseases: A pilot study

Background: This study aimed to validate the feasibility, efficacy, and safeness of laparoscopic treatment for benign adnexal diseases through a single transumbilical access in a prospective series of patients. Methods: A prospective clinical trial including 30 women was conducted in our teaching and research division. Patients underwent different laparoscopic procedures by the laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) approach using a multiport trocar, conventional laparoscopic instrumentation, and standardized surgical technique, with evaluation of the multiaccess conversion rate. Results: The patients underwent different laparoscopic procedures (10 bilateral adnexectomies; 22 cystectomies, and 3 chromosalpingographies) by the LESS approach using a multiport trocar and conventional laparoscopic instrumentation with standardization of this innovative minimally invasive technique. The laparoscopic procedures were completed through a single access in 28 cases (93.4%). In two cases, at the end of the intervention, hemostasis required one additional sovra-pubic access. No major intra- or postoperative complications were observed. The mean hospital stay was 1.3 days. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest the feasibility of the LESS approach in gynecologic surgery with a low conversion rate for multi-access laparoscopy, a rapid learning curve, limited complications, and good results in terms of cosmesis and postoperative pain. More clinical data are needed to confirm these advantages over standard laparoscopic technique.