SILS

Why would a gallbladder need to be removed?

The gallbladder is most commonly removed because of gallstones, but it may also be removed if the gallbladder is inflamed or infected. Gallbladder removal will relieve pain, treat infection and - in most cases - stop gallstones from coming back. The risks of not having surgery are the possibilities of worsening symptoms, infection and bursting of the gallbladder.

How common is gallbladder removal?

Approximately 500,000 gallbladder surgeries or cholecystectomies are performed each year in the United States. The most common reason for cholecystectomies is the removal of gallstones that cause gallbladder pain or biliary colic - blockage of the cystic or bile duct.1 Approximately 20 million adults in the U.S. have gallstones and an estimated one million people are newly diagnosed with gallstones each year.

Who is most at risk of needing gallbladder surgery?

Gallstones are twice as likely to occur in women. Overweight people, older adults, Native Americans and Mexican Americans are also at greater risk, but gallstones can be present in anyone who has a gallbladder.

How is the need for gallbladder surgery determined?

An evaluation is necessary which usually includes blood work, an abdominal ultrasound and assessments by a surgeon and anesthesiologist. They will review relevant health history and medications as well as discuss pain control options.

What is the recovery period following gallbladder removal?

If there are no complications following surgery, many patients can be discharged and go home the same day as their surgery.1

What is the Covidien SILS™ procedure?

The SILS™ procedure is a laparoscopic surgical procedure using a single incision (through the belly button) to accomplish any number of treatments including gallbladder removals, gynecologic procedures (like hysterectomies) and others. By utilizing just one incision, the SILS™ procedure avoids the multiple entry points - usually involving up to four ½-inch or smaller incisions - required by traditional laparoscopic techniques.

What conditions can be treated with the SILS™ procedure?

The SILS™ procedure is often performed for the purpose of gallbladder removal. The SILS™ procedure is also utilized in bariatric, urologic and gynecologic procedures.

Who is a candidate for a SILS™ procedure?

Generally, candidates for traditional laparoscopic surgery are also candidates for the SILS™ procedure. Criteria may include: no prior surgery and an elective or non-emergent case.

What benefits does the SILS™ procedure offer over standard laparoscopic procedures?

Unlike general laparoscopic procedures that require four ½-inch or smaller incisions and can leave visible scars at all sites of entry, the SILS™ procedure is accomplished through a single 20mm incision through the belly button - resulting in the potential for no visible scar. Moreover, a single incision minimizes the wound pain that may accompany additional sites of entry.

Are there risks associated with the SILS™ procedure?

Yes, any surgical procedure can result in complications. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, potential problems of any surgery could include pain, injury to organs, bleeding, infection, hernia, adhesions and scarring. Evidence currently supports that traditional laparoscopic procedures generally result in better quality-of-life outcomes than open surgery, but the SILS™ procedure itself has yet to undergo this evaluation.

Where can one find more information about the SILS™ procedure?

Visit www.sils.com or ask a healthcare provider for more information.