MUMC Launches New Gallbladder SILS Technique

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Memorial University Medical Center (MUMC) now offers a type of gallbladder surgery that requires only one small incision in the belly button. This single incision laparoscopic surgery is termed SILS. Less than 20 surgeons nationwide are skilled in the SILS technique thus far.

One of them is Christopher Senkowski, MD, at MUMC. By use of SILS, Senkowski can remove the gallbladder through a 1cm. incision in the belly button. Patients walk away with no visible scarring. Currently, the standard minimally invasive gallbladder operation requires at least four incisions.

“The SILS approach allows patients to have a better cosmetic result with minimal discomfort after surgery. Fewer incisions can mean a faster recovery, less risk for infection or later hernia, less risk for bleeding and less pain. The SILS technique will and is also being utilized for other procedures,” Senkowski noted.

At MHUMC, SILS has been used to remove the appendix and for cancer staging procedures.

Source: Memorial University Medical Center (MUMC)