STUDY OBJECTIVE: Since the advent of single-port access surgery, novel instruments have been developed to facilitate this laparoscopic approach. The GelPort system is an innovative sealing device that permits abdominal access and frequent instrument exchange during surgery while preserving the pneumoperitoneum. The GelPort system has been previously reported in gastric, colorectal, and urologic single-port access procedures but has yet to be described during pelvic surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective pilot study reviewing 19 single-port access pelvic surgeries that involved the GelPort system was undertaken. Patient and operative statistics, including diagnosis, surgery and anesthesia times, complications and length of hospital stay were evaluated (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: Operative time exhibited a direct association with anesthesia time (p=.001). Additionally, patient blood loss (p=.043) and anesthesia time (p=.003) were significant prognostic indicators for length of hospital stay. There were no significant patient complications or subsequent port site hernias. CONCLUSIONS: The GelPort system appears to contribute favorably to single-port access surgery because the device permits circumferential access and retraction during instrumentation. Furthermore, the specialized design augments a surgeon's versatility and access to complicated anatomic regions without compromising the peritoneum.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: Since the advent of single-port access surgery, novel instruments have been developed to facilitate this laparoscopic approach. The GelPort system is an innovative sealing device that permits abdominal access and frequent instrument exchange during surgery while preserving the pneumoperitoneum. The GelPort system has been previously reported in gastric, colorectal, and urologic single-port access procedures but has yet to be described during pelvic surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective pilot study reviewing 19 single-port access pelvic surgeries that involved the GelPort system was undertaken. Patient and operative statistics, including diagnosis, surgery and anesthesia times, complications and length of hospital stay were evaluated (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: Operative time exhibited a direct association with anesthesia time (p=.001). Additionally, patientblood loss (p=.043) and anesthesia time (p=.003) were significant prognostic indicators for length of hospital stay. There were no significant patient complications or subsequent port site hernias. CONCLUSIONS: The GelPort system appears to contribute favorably to single-port access surgery because the device permits circumferential access and retraction during instrumentation. Furthermore, the specialized design augments a surgeon's versatility and access to complicated anatomic regions without compromising the peritoneum.