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Surgeon at Blank Children’s Hospital Performs Iowa’s First Laparoscopic Surgery Using a Single Incision in a Child September 14, 2009 |
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Blank Children’s Hospital had a successful completion of six surgeries using the next generation SILS™ (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) device. This device, the first of its kind, replaces the multiple ports currently utilized in minimally invasive surgery. Accomplished by using specialized Roticulator™ instruments, manufactured by Covidien of Norwalk, Connecticut – the SILS™ procedure is performed in surgeries across multiple surgical specialties such as pediatric, general, gynecologic, bariatric and urology. In July of this year, two patients underwent appendectomy, or removal of the appendix, for the treatment of appendicitis. These surgeries were the first to be completed utilizing the SILS™ technology in children in the state of Iowa and at Blank Children’s Hospital. According to Michael Irish, MD, the pediatric surgeon who performed the procedure, the patients each had ruptured appendicitis and were initially treated without surgery allowing them to recover and avoid potentially more extensive surgery and higher risks of complications. Initially, the patients each received antibiotics and were allowed to leave the hospital and return for their surgery electively. Each patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy using the SILS™ device allowing the entire procedure to be performed through one incision within the belly button. Dr. Irish said the major advantages of the SILS™ procedure is that it utilizes only one access point, ultimately resulting in potentially, once healed, no visible scar. By comparison, traditional laparoscopic appendectomies involve three ¼ inch or smaller incisions that leave visible scars and appendectomies for ruptured appendicitis often require traditional, open and often larger incisions. “With the successful completion of this procedure, Blank Children’s is now equipped to offer patients one of the most advanced forms of laparoscopic surgery. This technique has applications in other minimally invasive procedures in children such as cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder),” said Dr. Irish. “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of a new technique in pediatric surgery that continues to transform the minimally invasive arena, resulting in even better experiences and outcomes for patients.” “At Blank Children’s Hospital, patient care is our highest priority. Procedures including the SILS™ technique are instrumental in helping us fulfill our goal of offering patients the latest advancements in medicine,” said Ken Cheyne, MD, medical director at Blank Children’s. |
