Single Port Laparoscopic Surgery and Transanal Specimen Retrieval for Sigmoid Colon Cancer

Transumbilical single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) is a newly emerged and rapidly evolving, minimally invasive treatment method. Transumbilical SPLS produces minimal parietal injury and can achieve cosmetic advantages by reducing additional trocar placement. The in-line or chopstick arrangement of laparoscopic instruments can make the operative procedures somewhat strange and inconvenient at first, but experienced laparoscopic surgeons can achieve the same coverage as conventional laparoscopic surgery with time. Here, we report the first case of transumbilical SPLS anterior resection (SPLS-AR) with transanal retrieval of aspecimen and intracorporeal single stapling anastomosis. The operating time was 270 min. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Transumbilical SPLS resulted in a 1.5-cm wound with early recovery. Transumbilical SPLS-AR with transanal retrieval and intracorporeal anastomosis for sigmoid colon cancer is feasible by experienced laparoscopic colorectal surgeons based on careful evaluation and selection of patients. This operation fulfills both oncological principles and cosmetic demand. (J Korean Surg Soc 2011;80:77-83)