Al Ain-based Tawam Hospital, in affiliation with John Hopkins Medicine of the US, performed the first single laparoscopic surgery (SILS), a new method of surgery, for the first time in the UAE.

SILS was performed successfully under the faculty of Medicine and Health Services, by Dr Fawaz Torab Chiki, senior consultant general surgery, and Dr Haytham Nabil El-Salhat, consultant general surgery, on a patient suffering from gallstones (cholecystolithiasis).

“To our knowledge, this new surgical technique is the first of its kind in the UAE and possibly in the region,” Dr Fawaz said.

“With the introduction and the success of this procedure, in due time it will become the standard method for many laparoscopic procedures,” he added.

The innovative procedure performed recently entails a minute single incision (smaller than 0.5-1.5cm) in the navel as the main point of entry. This method has many advantages compared to the conventional multi-port laparoscopic surgery. Post-surgery scarring is quick to heal and is barely visible when the navel is used.

Aside from being a newer and safer method of surgery, SILS also guarantees the patient less pain during surgery, a shorter hospital stay (surgery is performed on an outpatient basis), and a faster return to normal daily activities.

SILS is currently the latest and most advanced form of surgery worldwide. It was initially introduced for the treatment of gallstones but it has recently started gaining momentum in other laparoscopic procedures.

“This new approach using a single port, we were able to perform the laparoscopic gastric banding and sleeve successfully and the patient could leave the hospital free from pain the morning after the surgery,” said Dr El-Salhat.

“Prior to the initial introduction of SILS, a team of surgeons at Tawam Hospital undertook extensive training in preparation and usage of the new instruments used to perform the surgery. Physicians are hopeful that SILS will soon become the primary method of laparoscopic operations in the UAE, and by extension, the entire region.” he added.

Tawam Hospital, which is managed by John Hopkins Medicine, is owned and operated by SEHA, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. – TradeArabia News Service