Outcomes of Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery for Colon Cancer: A Case-Matched Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy (SILC) is an evolving technique with potential advantages by reducing number of incisions that can reduce port-related complications and improve cosmetic results. The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes between SILC, hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy (HALC) and standard multi-port laparoscopic colectomy (MLC).
Methods: Retrospective analyses of a total of 90 patients between May 2010 and December 2011, who underwent SILC for colon cancer surgery, were performed in 30 patients. Clinicopathological parameters were matched 1:1 with patients who underwent HALC (n=30) and MLC (n=30). Short-term outcomes were collected and analyzed.     
Results: Operative time was significantly shorter in SILC compared to HALC and MLC (p< 0.001), as well as less estimated blood loss (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in conversion rate and number of harvested lymph nodes. SILC had the advantage of less 24-hr postoperative pain score compared to HALC and MLC (p< 0.001), whereas length of stay and time to full diet were not different.   
Conclusion: In selected patients, SILC can be successfully and safely performed with shorter operative time, less estimated blood loss and less postoperative pain score. 

Keywords: Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy, single-port laparoscopic colectomy, hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy, laparoscopic colectomy, colon cancer