Safety and application of transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic gastrectomy for GIST: SILS in benign gastric disease.

Background: The authors report a new technique of umbilical single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) of the stomach using conventional laparoscopic instruments.

Methods: Preliminary experience with umbilical SILS operation in 13 patients with GIST was introduced.

Results: Umbilical SILS operation for GISTs was feasible with conventional laparoscopic instruments. No intraoperative or postoperative complications, such as secondary hemorrhage, anastomotic leakage, or obstruction, were recorded. The patients fully recovered and the single umbilical scar healed well.

Conclusions: SILS for GISTs is a feasible and safe technique when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons. With advanced surgical technology and technique, truly minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as SILS, are feasible.