What is Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery?

Single incision laparoscopic surgery, or SILS, is an advanced, minimally invasive procedure that allows the surgeon to operate exclusively through a single entry point, typically the patient's navel.

In traditional laparoscopic surgery, a telescopic rod connected to a video camera or laparoscope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. Three to five additional incisions are made and used as ports, where the other necessary surgical instruments are inserted.

Am I a candidate for SILS?

Most patients who are eligible for laparoscopic surgery are also good candidates for single-port procedures.

Patients who are morbidly obese or who already have had multiple major abdominal surgeries may not be eligible.

If you are interested in making an appointment with a surgeon who performs single-port procedures, or to learn more about your surgical options, please call our General Surgery Department at 512-509-8500, or email rrsils@swmail.sw.org.

Your Scott & White Round Rock Surgical Team

All of our surgeons are board certified in General Surgery through the American Board of Surgery and hold academic appointments through Texas A&M Center College of Medicine.

Rob W. Watson, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Patient Care Emphasis: Breast surgery, thyroid, parathyroid, minimally invasive procedures

F. Paul Buckley III, M.D., F.A.C.S

Patient Care Emphasis: Minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery, breast disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease

John F. Eckford, M.D.

Patient Care Emphasis: Minimally invasive/laparoscopic procedures, hernia surgery, wound care

What are the benefits of SILS?

Potential benefits include:

Decreased pain

Better cosmetic results (less scarring)

Faster recovery

Procedures that can be done with SILS

Surgical removal of:

Gall bladder (cholecystectomy)

Appendix (appendectomy)

Other procedures:

Hernia repair

For Physicians: Request a Patient Appointment

Contact the Physician Relations department:

• Tollfree at 800-880-0165 or call 512-940-3513
• Print and fax a referral form to 512-218-6330
• Complete this secure online form

* Scott & White accepts all major insurance plans *

SILS in the media

• Doctors going in through the "outie" (Austin News KXAN.com)