Afraid of surgery? Let's learn about single-port surgery!

When we think of an operation or surgery, we think of a big incision, a few days in the hospital, and the pain that comes afterwards, right? That fear is justified. But with the advancement of medical science, this situation has changed a lot. Imagine if you could make just one small incision in your stomach, have the entire operation done through it, and go home in a day or two? That's the latest and most amazing technology we're going to talk about today.

What is Single-Port Surgery?

Simply put, this is a minimally invasive surgery. Here, the surgeon makes only one small incision in your body, for example in the abdomen. Then, a special device called a 'port' is inserted through that incision. All the other equipment needed for the operation , such as the camera and forceps, is inserted through that small hole. This means that there is no big scar left.

Although this method is used for various surgical procedures, it is most commonly used in urology, especially for surgeries on organs such as the kidneys, bladder, and prostate.

A robot to help? So what is that?

Yes, this technology has been further developed and now includes the help of a robot. It is called Single-Port Robotic Surgery . What happens here is that the surgeon controls a robot. This robot handles the instruments inserted through that small hole.

The advantage of this is that the robot can make much more precise and stable movements than a human hand. Also, the camera inside can magnify the organs and clearly see them. This allows even the most complex surgeries to be performed very accurately and safely. Although this is a new technology that has been used since about 2018, the results are very successful. Patients recover quickly and their satisfaction is also high.

How is this different from other surgical procedures?

There are several methods of surgery. The method that is best for you will depend on your condition, health, and the experience of the surgeon. Let's take a look at the main differences between the methods.

What types of surgeries can be performed with this method?

This technology can be used to perform a wide range of surgeries on various organ systems. Here are a few examples:

• Kidney-related surgeries: removal of a kidney (nephrectomy), removal of a kidney from a healthy person for donation (donor nephrectomy), kidney transplant, and removal of obstructions between the kidney and the ureter (pyeloplasty).
• Prostate surgery: Prostatectomy.
• Bladder surgery: cystectomy.

Who is this surgery best suited for?

This single-incision surgical procedure can be suitable for anyone who is generally eligible for robotic surgery. What's special is that it can sometimes be a good option for those who cannot undergo traditional robotic surgery. For example:

• For those who have had several major abdominal surgeries in the past.
• People with severe lung or heart disease that makes it difficult to remain in a specific position during surgery.

However, your doctor will determine which method is best for you, considering your overall health condition and the severity of your condition.

How should I prepare before surgery?

Before the surgery, your doctor will explain the procedure to you thoroughly. In addition, you will usually need to follow these instructions:

1. Avoid eating or drinking: Do not eat or drink anything (even water) for at least 8 hours before surgery. If you need to take any essential medication, take it with a sip of water.

2. Clothing: You may feel some abdominal pain and discomfort after the surgery, so wear loose, comfortable clothing when you get home.

3. Shoes: You may feel a little dizzy or uncomfortable when walking after anesthesia, so bring a pair of comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

4. Jewelry: Do not wear any jewelry. Jewelry can harbor germs, increasing the risk of infection in the incision.

5. Nail Polish: Remove nail polish or acrylic nails. Bacteria trapped under nail polish can cause infections. Also, nail polish can interfere with the pulse oximeter, which measures your blood oxygen levels during surgery.

What are the advantages of this surgery?

One of the main and most attractive advantages of this technique is the scar. Because there is only one small incision, the scar is very small, sometimes even invisible. It also has a lower risk of complications than open surgery.

Some other advantages are:

• This is a good option even for those who are not suitable for traditional laparoscopic surgery.
• The ability to perform multiple surgeries at once through the same incision. For example, the prostate gland and part of the kidney can be removed in one operation.
• The pain after surgery is very minimal .
• You can often go home the same day or the day after surgery .
• Recovery is very quick and you can return to your normal activities within a few days.

Are there any disadvantages or risks?

As with any surgery, there are some risks. But the main challenge is that since all the instruments are handled through a single incision, the surgeon needs to be very skilled and experienced. Therefore, if you are going to have this type of surgery, it is very important to choose an experienced surgeon and hospital who performs these procedures regularly.

In addition, there are some common risks to all surgeries:

• Risks associated with anesthesia.
• Infection.
• Damage to an internal organ.
• Wound healing problems.
• Fluid accumulation around the incision (seroma).
• Heavy bleeding.

Ask your doctor if there are any other risks specific to the surgery you are having.

How long will it take to heal?

After this surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon, you can usually return to your normal life in about two to four weeks . This can vary depending on your job. While someone who works in an office can return to work in about a week, if you have a physically demanding job, it is best to rest for at least four weeks.

It is very important to get help from a family member or friend with household chores and gardening while you are recovering.