Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in patients with benign adnexal disease: a comparative study

Background: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is becoming increasingly popular in different disciplines. Evidence is scarce about its utility in gynecologic surgery.

Aim: To compare our initial experience using LESS for benign adnexal disease to traditional laparoscopy.

Methods: Since November 2008, we have performed LESS in 28 patients diagnosed with benign adnexal disease (group I). Patients with adnexal masses and a body mass index <35 were selected. An age-matched control group of patients with similar diagnoses who underwent traditional operative laparoscopy was included (n = 50; group II).

Results: Both groups were comparable with regard to age, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, indication of surgery and history of previous abdominal surgery. The operative blood loss ranged from minimal to <50 ml for both groups. The mean ± SD duration of surgery in group I (45 ± 19.5 min) was comparable to that of group II (46.4 ± 18.3 min). The duration of hospital stay was <24 h in both groups. Minimal use of postoperative narcotics was required in study subjects and no intraoperative complications occurred.

Conclusions: LESS for benign adnexal disease is feasible in patients with or without previous surgery and is comparable to traditional laparoscopic surgery. Additional investigation is needed to evaluate the safety, cost-effectiveness and long-term outcomes of this new approach.