Stretching the boundaries of laparoscopic surgery, Habersham Medical Center is proud to introduce its advanced technology platform from Olympus that now allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive single-site surgery through the umbilicus (bellybutton), which has the potential to increase the benefits that traditional laparoscopic surgery has over open surgery, such as less abdominal trauma, less post-operative pain, less scarring, and improved recovery time for patients. This platform combines the existing endoscopic and laparoscopic technology known as EndoEYE® with the new TriPort™ Access System from ASC. The platform includes the technology and devices necessary to perform surgical procedures through just one incision in the bellybutton.
In Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site (LESS) surgery, the TriPort™ or QuadPort™ Access System is placed into the bellybutton, allowing single-port access for up to four surgical and imaging instruments that can be straight or bent, flexible or articulated. Olympus’ unique laparoscope, the EndoEYE, is the world’s first deflectable video laparoscope enabling surgeons to see high-quality images and fine details during surgical procedures. The deflectable tip on the EndoEYE provides surgeons with the flexibility to view the surgical field from multiple angles during the procedure, and helps minimize potential collisions between the instruments, which is common when operating in narrow spaces. After the procedure the surgeon removes the port, allowing the natural contours of the bellybutton to help hide the surgical incision.
There are a number of advantages in performing the LESS surgery procedure and using a single port through the umbilicus compared to typical laparoscopy. Dr. Chad Thomas, a general surgeon, is one of the doctors at Habersham Medical Center who has completed the advanced training required to perform the LESS procedure. “This procedure can be used on select patients for hernia operations as well as gall bladder removal and appendectomies,” says Dr. Thomas. “At Habersham Medical Center, we are committed to providing the latest advances in laparoscopic and endoscopic technology to improve patient care. More and more patients are presenting and asking for the least invasive surgical option possible.”
Because the Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site surgery technique is an emerging advancement in minimally invasive surgery, not all patients will be candidates for this type of procedure. Also, for some patients, additional incisions or open surgery may be required.
For more information on the new surgical procedure, please call Habersham Surgical Services, Dr. Chad Thomas or Dr. Sharren Wolff at 706-754-8339 or email hss@hcmcmed.org. |