Springer Single-Access Laparoscopic Surgery: Current Applications and Controversies

Single-access laparoscopic surgery (SALS), performed using a single transumbilical access, has recently proved to bring advantages over other forms of laparoscopic surgery due to the reduction in the number of incisions and the consequent decrease in morbidity, less blood loss and postoperative pain. Furthermore, cosmesis may be improved because incision within the umbilicus renders surgery virtually scarless. Nevertheless, as with all new surgical concepts, questions may be raised regarding safety, usefulness and appropriateness. This book analyzes the use of SALS for different indications and abdominal surgical procedures based on a careful literature review of the experience of the most important surgical teams employing this approach and also the authors’ personal observations. The coverage is broad, encompassing, for example, the role of SALS in appendectomy, repair of abdominal wall defects, cholecystectomy, gastric surgery, nephrectomy, splenectomy, hemicolectomy and pancreatic, liver and gynecological surgery. From the Back Cover Single-access laparoscopic surgery (SALS), performed using a single transumbilical access, has recently proved to bring advantages over other forms of laparoscopic surgery due to the reduction in the number of incisions and the consequent decrease in morbidity, less blood loss and postoperative pain. Furthermore, cosmesis may be improved because incision within the umbilicus renders surgery virtually scarless. Nevertheless, as with all new surgical concepts, questions may be raised regarding safety, usefulness, and appropriateness. This book analyzes the use of SALS for different indications and abdominal surgical procedures based on a careful literature review of the experience of the most important surgical teams employing this approach and also the authors’ personal observations. The coverage is broad, encompassing, for example, the role of SALS in appendectomy, repair of abdominal wall defects, cholecystectomy, gastric surgery, nephrectomy, splenectomy, hemicolectomy, and pancreatic, liver, and gynecological surgery. Resident surgeons specializing in laparoscopy, researchers, and related healthcare professionals will find Single-Access Laparoscopic Surgery to be an invaluable source of information in an  area which deserves to receive detailed attention.   About the Author Giusto Pignata - After graduating in Medicine and Surgery (1983), he got two specialty degrees, Urology (1987) and General Surgery (1992). Postgraduate fellowships: at the St. Mark's Hospital (London), at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, at the University Hospital of Ninewells (Scotland) and at Hopital P. Brousse (Paris). He was worked in Regional General Hospital of Treviso and he has taken part to several surgical activities in the fields of general surgery, in particular surgical oncology, thoracic surgery and transplantation. He became Head of Surgery in 1999 at Monfalcone Hospital and since 2007 he is Head of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery of "San Camillo" Hospital of Trento. He performs around 3,500 procedures as first operator under general anesthesia and under local anesthesia. He is from 2011 Visiting Professor of Surgery in Medical School of Belgrade and consultant in General Hospital of Nuoro in mini-invasive and robotic surgery. He perfumed more than 300 single site operations regarding gastric, colo-rectal, kidney, pancreas and liver disease. The activity in minimally invasive surgery was continued and coupled with the creation of a Multidisciplinary surgical team in oncological/inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive apparatus. He is active member of a number of scientific and medical societies and author of 100 publications on international journals. Francesco Corcione - After his graduation from medical surgery school he specialized in General Surgery in 1981 and in Endocrine Surgery in 1984. His clinical activity covers 40 years, from res