Spotlight Video | Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery | Katie S. Artz, MD, FACS
Katie S. Artz, MD, FACS, is a top general surgeon who lends her skills and expertise to serve patients at Southwestern Surgery Associates, an affiliate of Arizona Community Surgeons PC, in Tucson, Arizona, which she joined in 2006 upon completing her surgical training. With eleven years of experience as a general surgeon,... more
Modern medicine is constantly evolving, and one groundbreaking innovation that's changing the way surgeries are performed is Laparoendoscopic Single Site (LESS) Surgery. This revolutionary approach allows for the removal of diseased organs through a single, small incision in the skin. Unlike more invasive alternatives like traditional open surgery or multi-incision laparoscopic surgery, LESS Surgery offers a range of benefits that are reshaping the field of surgical treatments.
The key advantage of LESS Surgery is its minimal invasiveness. This technique often involves a single incision that can even be discreetly hidden within the belly button. This not only reduces the trauma associated with surgery but also leaves patients with a significantly less noticeable scar – a factor that greatly contributes to their overall satisfaction.
LESS procedures are most commonly performed on select patients diagnosed with kidney tumors or nonfunctioning kidneys requiring complete removal. This approach necessitates general anesthesia, and while the duration of the surgery varies depending on the patient, it generally takes around 2-4 hours to complete.
The surgeon utilizes a laparoscope and a series of handheld laparoscopic surgical instruments that are inserted through a specially designed gel diaphragm device placed in the abdomen. This innovative setup provides improved visualization for the surgeon, all while keeping their hands outside the abdominal cavity. This not only enhances precision but also minimizes any potential risks.
In terms of recovery, LESS Surgery patients usually spend just one day in the hospital and can return to full activity, including work, in approximately 3-4 weeks after the surgery. This rapid recovery time is one of the most appealing aspects of LESS Surgery, making it an attractive option for patients seeking efficient solutions without the long downtime often associated with more invasive procedures.
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