Modified glove method for single port access laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

  Single port access laparoscopic surgery is a new, minimally-invasive, and elegant surgical technique. However, it is a costly investment, requiring bending forceps, a vessel-sealing system, and a special port for trocar installation. As a cost-effective alternative, a wound retractor and surgical glove may be used. However, this so-called "glove method" has not found wide acceptance, because it lacks the stability that laparoscopic forceps demand. We therefore developed a modified glove method, whereby trocars are fixed with a foley catheter. With this approach, manipulations with laparoscopic forceps are stable, and surgical duration is shortened. We thus believe this cost-conscious option has merit.