SILS vs. Standard 5-port Procedure

[timmmers 0]

I have my surgery in one week, and I have to make a big decision before having my surgery. My doctor is a leader in laparoscopic surgery, and offers the SILS (Single Incision Lap-band surgery) procedure as an option. The biggest difference between the regular surgery and the SILS is that the SILS, like the name suggests, is done completely through one incision/port. My doctor said that for him it doesn't make a difference, and that I am a good candidate for this procedure. However, I have read online that it is a technically more difficult procedure to perform (for the surgeon). So, I'm uncertain what to do. Has anyone else had the SILS procedure here? What did you think? How was the pain? any other complications? Would you recommend it?

Thanks!!! :-)

[Desperate1 1]

I requested that from my surgeon but he doesn't do it that way and instead of the standard 5 incisions, i got 6!! I would ask him how much more difficult is it for him to do it that way. It is surgery, risky either way, so find out his confidence level and more importantly, how many has he done and how may were successful! good luck

[pickles123 0]

My doctor does the one incision surgery. However even if you ask for it you may not get it. I had a hiatal hernia that required more incisions. I have 4 with the hernia repair.

[Unforgettable 0]

This is definitely a personal decision. Try to find out how big the incision will be. One of the docs I looked into offered SILS, but they said it would be about a 4 inch scar above my bellt button. However, one member of this site showed me their SILS scar and it was a normal laproscopic scar size right at the tip of the belly button and you literally couldn't notice it.

I will say though, that the SILS does require more manipulation because they are only working with one incision versus 5.

[BethL 0]

I was banded 6 weeks ago and I have the SILS. My doctor did the incision inside my belly button. You literally cannot see the incision unless i tug at my belly button. My husband was so amazed because it's barely noticeable. I also had the 5 incisions last year when I had my gallbladder out. Although, the scars are very small. I don't like the 5 incisions.