Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in gynecology: a multi-institutional evaluation

Objective The study objectives were to determine the surgical outcomes of a large series of gynecology patients treated with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). Study Design This was a retrospective, multi-institutional analysis of gynecology patients treated with LESS in 2009. Patients underwent surgery via a single 1.5- to 2.5-cm umbilical incision with a multichannel single port. Results A total of 74 women underwent LESS. Procedures were performed for benign pelvic masses (n = 39), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 9), endometrial (n = 15) and ovarian (n = 6) cancers, and nongynecologic malignancies (n = 5). Median patient age and body mass index were 47 years and 28, respectively. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was computed and demonstrated a significant linear relationship between the operating time and number of cases for cancer staging (r = –0.71; n = 26; P < .001) and nonstaging (r = –0.78; n = 48; P < .002) procedures. Perioperative complications were low (3%). Conclusion LESS is feasible, safe, and reproducible in gynecology patients with benign and cancerous conditions. Operative times are reasonable and can be decreased with experience.