Single-access laparoscopic surgery using new curved reusable instruments: initial hundred patients.

In recent years, laparoscopic surgery underwent a huge investment from both the clinical and research points of view to perform classic procedures through a single (S) incision or single port, resulting in the development of different instruments and ports. The main advantage of the S-access laparoscopy (SAL) is cosmesis. Future investigations will provide other potential advantages, such as improvement in postoperative pain and patient satisfaction. We report our initial experience on 115 patients utilizing a SAL (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, incisional hernia repair, Nissen fundoplication, upper gastrointestinal surgery, diagnostic laparoscopy, hepatic resection, splenectomy), along with the new curved reusable instruments (Karl Storz-Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany). The curves of the instruments enable the surgeon to work in an ergonomic position similar to classic laparoscopy, establishing a working triangulation inside the abdomen as well as outside. The cost of SAL is similar to classic laparoscopy as only reusable products are used.