Our findings support the feasibility and tolerability of colorectal surgery, conducted by experienced laparoscopic surgeons without specific training in use of the SILS port.

As an alternative to the standard laparoscopic procedure, single-incision laparoscopic sigmoidectomy via the umbilicus is technically feasible and effective. This attractive procedure aims to increase the patient's comfort further after abdominal surgery.

Colonic surgery is feasible with the single-port technique using standard laparoscopic instruments. Operative time and complication rates are comparable to conventional standard laparoscopic procedures. Position of instruments (crossed over) and orientation are somewhat different and need to be trained and practiced. In this patient collective 200 colon resections covering the complete spectrum of colonic surgery were done in our department. Of these 120 patients were operated on because of sigma diverticulitis. The average operative time was 149 min whereby 6 patients (5.0%) had to be converted to an open procedure, 12 (10.0%) patients had early complications, of which 6 (5.0%) had minor wound complications which were treated conservatively and 4 (3.3%) patients had late complications (2 stenoses and 2 hernias) during the mean follow-up time of 7.5 months (range 6-14 months). The cosmetic effect was very good and functional results were good. Single-port colon operations are the least invasive procedure available at the moment.

Up to a body mass index of 35 kg/m(2), increased body weight does not significantly reduce the feasibility and outcome of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for diverticulitis.

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