What is a single port surgery? A comprehensive guide to this advanced technique

September 23, 2025 •

5 min read

According to leading health networks, single port surgery is a highly innovative form of minimally invasive surgery that uses just one small incision. This technique, which answers the question what is a single port surgery, is an advanced approach that is changing how many common procedures are performed, focusing on improved patient outcomes and experience.

Quick Summary

Single port surgery is a type of minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon operates through a single, tiny incision, typically hidden in the navel, to perform the operation. It differs from traditional laparoscopic surgery by minimizing the number of entry points for instruments, which often leads to less pain and better cosmetic results for the patient.

Key Points

Single Incision: Single port surgery is a minimally invasive technique performed through one small, strategic incision, often hidden in the belly button.
Enhanced Cosmetic Outcome: A primary benefit is the excellent cosmetic result, as the single incision results in minimal, often invisible, scarring.
Faster Recovery and Less Pain: Patients typically experience reduced postoperative pain and a quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.
Specialized Instruments: The procedure relies on specialized articulating instruments and advanced visualization tools, sometimes using a robotic system, to navigate and operate from a single entry point.
Broad Applications: This technique is used for a range of procedures, including gallbladder removal, appendectomy, and certain urological surgeries like prostatectomy.
Requires Expertise: The single port method is more technically challenging for surgeons, making it crucial to choose an experienced surgeon and a high-volume center.
Candidate-Dependent: Suitability for single port surgery depends on the patient's specific condition and health factors, with some cases still requiring multi-port or open surgery.

Understanding Single Port Surgery: A Closer Look

Single port surgery, also known by acronyms like SILS (Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) or LESS (Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery), represents a significant evolution in surgical techniques. Unlike traditional open surgery that requires a large incision or conventional laparoscopic surgery that uses multiple small cuts, this method consolidates all surgical instruments and the camera through a single access point. The single incision provides an avenue for the surgeon to navigate instruments and visualize the operative site on a high-definition monitor.

How Single Port Surgery Is Performed

The process of performing a single port surgery is a remarkable blend of surgical skill and technological innovation. It generally follows these steps:

General Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Single Incision: A small incision, usually less than an inch long, is made. The most common site is within the umbilicus (belly button), which helps to naturally conceal the resulting scar.
Port Insertion: A specialized device, or port, is inserted through the incision. This port contains multiple channels to accommodate the camera and various flexible, articulating surgical instruments.
Abdominal Inflation: The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a working space for the surgeon and provide a clear view of the internal organs.
Surgical Procedure: The surgeon, often using robotic assistance for enhanced dexterity and visualization, performs the required procedure. The instruments are designed to bend and articulate, providing the necessary angles to operate effectively from a single entry point.
Closure: After the procedure, the instruments are removed, the gas is released, and the single incision is closed with sutures, leading to a cosmetically appealing result.

Common Applications of Single Port Surgery

This advanced technique is utilized for a growing number of procedures across various surgical specialties. Procedures commonly performed via the single port approach include:

Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): One of the most common applications, offering cosmetic benefits and a quicker return to normal activities.
Appendix Removal (Appendectomy): A minimally invasive option for addressing appendicitis with fewer scars.
Kidney Procedures (Nephrectomy, Pyeloplasty): Often performed by urologists for conditions affecting the kidneys.
Prostate Surgery (Prostatectomy): This can be performed robotically through a single port, sometimes via a transvesical (through the bladder) route, avoiding the abdominal cavity entirely.
Hysterectomy: The removal of the uterus can be done with this minimally invasive approach.

Benefits and Advantages for Patients

The single port method offers several key advantages over more invasive surgical techniques. Patients often experience:

Improved Cosmetic Outcomes: The single, small incision is typically placed inside the navel, resulting in a virtually scarless appearance.
Reduced Postoperative Pain: With only one incision, there is less trauma to the abdominal wall, which often leads to less pain and discomfort during recovery.
Faster Recovery: Many patients report a quicker return to their normal daily routines, often within two to four weeks, depending on the specific procedure.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Fewer incisions can mean a lower risk of wound-related complications like infection and hernia formation.
Potential for Same-Day Discharge: For some less complex procedures, patients may be able to go home on the same day as their surgery, reducing hospital stay and costs.

Single-Port vs. Multi-Port and Open Surgery: A Comparison

To fully appreciate the advantages of single port surgery, it is helpful to compare it to other common surgical methods. The table below outlines the key differences:


Feature	Single Port Surgery	Multi-Port Laparoscopic Surgery	Open Surgery
Incision Count	One small incision (e.g., in the navel)	Typically 3-5 small incisions	One large incision
Cosmetic Result	Superior, often virtually scarless	Good, small scars	A visible, larger scar
Postoperative Pain	Minimal due to less tissue trauma	Reduced compared to open surgery	Higher, with more tissue and muscle damage
Recovery Time	Often faster, with shorter hospital stay	Faster than open surgery	Longest recovery period
Internal Access	Instruments work through a single port, sometimes with reduced maneuverability	Multiple ports allow for greater instrument triangulation and maneuverability	Direct access with the surgeon's hands
Flexibility	Limited instrument movement due to single entry point, higher demand on surgical team	More surgical freedom, allowing for complex procedures	Maximum access and flexibility

Potential Risks and Limitations

While single port surgery offers significant benefits, it is not suitable for all patients or procedures. The technique presents some challenges for the surgical team, such as less freedom of movement for instruments, which requires a high level of surgical skill and specialized equipment. Limitations for patients include cases of morbid obesity, severe lung or heart disease, or extensive prior abdominal surgery, which may make other techniques safer. As with any surgery, risks include those associated with anesthesia, infection, bleeding, and potential organ damage. Patients should always consult with their surgeon to determine the best course of action for their specific condition.

Preparing for Single Port Surgery

Proper preparation is key to a successful surgical outcome. Your medical team will provide specific instructions, but general guidelines include:

Following any dietary restrictions, such as fasting before the procedure.
Wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.
Avoiding jewelry, nail polish, or other items that could interfere with medical monitoring.
Arranging for a ride home and assistance for a few days after the procedure.

The Road to Recovery

After single port surgery, the focus shifts to a smooth and swift recovery. Many patients are surprised by how quickly they can return to their daily routines. Here's what to expect:

Post-operative Care: Your care team will monitor your vital signs and manage pain levels. You will be given clear instructions for wound care and activity limitations.
Pain Management: Because of the minimal incision, pain is typically less severe. Your doctor will prescribe medication as needed, which may not be necessary for a prolonged period.
Returning to Activity: While rest is important, light walking is encouraged to aid circulation and prevent blood clots. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.
Follow-up Appointments: You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to check on your progress and ensure proper healing.

Conclusion

Single port surgery represents a major advancement in minimally invasive procedures, offering a compelling alternative to traditional methods. By operating through a single, discreet incision, it provides patients with the benefits of less pain, faster recovery, and superior cosmetic results. As technology continues to evolve, this technique is becoming more common for a variety of conditions. For those considering surgery, discussing this option with a qualified surgeon can determine if this advanced, patient-friendly approach is the right choice. For more details on the procedure and outcomes, you can visit the Cleveland Clinic's official page on single port surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while single port surgery is a type of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, they are not identical. Standard laparoscopic surgery uses multiple small incisions (typically 3-5), whereas the single port method uses only one incision for all instruments and the camera.

For gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), single port surgery involves removing the organ through a single incision, most often made at the umbilicus. This method offers improved cosmetic results compared to traditional laparoscopic gallbladder removal.

Yes, single port surgery is often performed with the assistance of a robotic system, such as the da Vinci SP®. This technology allows the surgeon to make precise, delicate movements through the single port with a magnified, high-resolution view.

Recovery time varies based on the procedure, but patients can often return to light activities within a week and typical daily routines within two to four weeks. Strenuous activity should be limited during this period.

Yes, a major cosmetic benefit is the minimal scarring. The single incision is usually hidden within the natural folds of the belly button, resulting in a virtually scarless outcome once healed.

Ideal candidates are generally those eligible for other minimally invasive procedures. Some patients with prior abdominal surgery or certain health conditions may be better suited for other methods. A thorough consultation with a surgeon is necessary to determine candidacy.

In some cases, yes. A surgeon may be able to perform multiple, distinct procedures through the same single port incision. For example, some urological conditions can be treated at the same time, avoiding the need for a separate surgery.