While many patients are interested in bariatric surgery, the fear of undergoing an invasive procedure may stop you from experiencing the incredible treatment benefits.
The Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS™) uses just one small incision, reducing recovery time, discomfort, and visible scarring.
What is a SILS™?
Because of its many benefits, SILS™ is rapidly becoming a popular laparoscopic weight loss surgery all over the world.
While a traditional Gastric Sleeve requires four to six small incisions, the single-incision sleeve gastrectomy is performed with only one single incision through the belly button. The surgeon uses laparoscopic tools to access the treatment area through a specialized SILS™ Port placed over the incision.
For the patient, this technique means little to virtually no scarring, reduced post-operative pain and a quicker recovery. Because SILS™ is less invasive than the traditional Gastric Sleeve and simpler than Gastric Bypass surgery (Roux-en-Y), it also has lower complication rates.
The Procedure
The surgeon performs the Single Incision Sleeve (SILS™) by entering the abdomen and gaining access to the stomach through the belly button. Once the stomach is reached, he gently cuts and reduces about 80% of the stomach. Since only the stomach is removed, the chances of vitamin deficiencies and “dumping” syndrome are highly unlikely as with the Gastric Bypass.
Sometimes, there is a small possibility you could need a second, very small incision for a drain to be put in. If it is needed, the scar in most cases is not even noticeable and often resembles a “scratch” as some patients describe it.
