Surgery with No Scarring

Taking laparoscopic surgery one step further

Westlake Hospital surgeon, Fred Tiesenga, M.D., is now performing a revolutionary surgery, known as single incision laparoscopic surgery, or SILS, that results in better cosmetic results, minimal pain, less risk for infection, less bleeding and allows the patient to return home the same day.

Westlake Hospital is committed to staying one step ahead of constantly evolving medical technology. Identified as the Midwest Teaching Institution for the SILS procedure, physicians from around the Midwest are coming to Westlake Hospital to have Dr. Tiesenga teach them how to perform the surgery.  

What exactly is the SILS™ procedure and how does it work?
The SILS™ procedure is a laparoscopic surgical procedure using a single incision (through the belly button) to accomplish any number of treatments including gallbladder removal, gynecologic procedures (like hysterectomies) and others. By utilizing just one 20mm incision, the SILS™ procedure avoids the multiple entry points – usually involving up to four ½-inch or smaller incisions – required by traditional laparoscopic techniques.

Who is a candidate for the SILS™ procedure?

Generally, candidates for laparoscopic surgery are also candidates for the SILS™ procedure. Criteria may include: no prior surgery and an elective or non-emergent case.

How are SILS™ procedures different from other laparoscopic surgical procedures?

Instead of requiring the four ½-inch or smaller incisions associated with traditional laparoscopic surgery that may leave visible scars, the SILS™ procedure is accomplished with a single 20mm incision through the belly button resulting in the potential for no visible scar. 

Moreover, a single incision minimizes the pain that may be associated with the additional sites of entry.             

Are there risks associated with the SILS™ procedures?

Yes, any surgical procedure can result in complications.  According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, potential problems of any surgery could include pain, injury to organs, bleeding, infection, hernia, adhesions and scarring.[1]  Evidence currently supports that traditional laparoscopic procedures generally result in better quality-of-life outcomes than open surgery, but the SILS™ procedure itself has yet to undergo this evaluation.[2]

Where can one obtain more information on SILS™ procedures?

Visit www.sils.com.

Speak to your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for laparoscopic surgery, including the SILS™ surgery.