Single-Incision Laparascopic Cholecystectomy (SILC)

As patients take an increasing role in their healthcare decisions, Single Incision Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (SILC) has arisen as a method of performing gallbladder surgery for patients with specific concerns regarding recuperation time, invasiveness and cosmetic issues generally associated with traditional gallbladder surgeries.

To better meet the needs of these patients, surgeons at Progressive Surgical Associates have been successfully performing SILC with excellent results equal to that of traditional laparoscopic gallbladder removal.

With traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy, several incisions are made in the abdomen surrounding the umbilicus. However, in single-incision surgery, the laparoscope and instruments are inserted through one tiny incision within the navel. Thus, the patient recovers with a single, almost invisible scar in the umbilical area, affording the patient less pain and cosmetic implications than with traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy and less pain, blood loss, and recovery time than with open surgery.

Patients and their physicians are becoming increasingly aware of this new procedure, however, there is a scarcity of availability of SILC in most areas of the country. Progressive Surgical Associates is one of the few providers in the area making this procedure available to patients.

Good candidates include men and women in need of gallbladder removal (although this is predominantly requested by women, who studies have suggested experience greater post-surgical discomfort and cosmetic concerns) with good health history and healthy range BMI.