Single Incision Laparoscopy for Endometrial Cancer Treatment

Single Incision Laparoscopy: A Minimally Invasive Revolution in Endometrial Cancer Treatment

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how single incision laparoscopy (SIL) combined with vaginal hysterectomy offers a less invasive approach to treating endometrial cancer, especially for morbidly obese patients."

Laparoscopic surgery has transformed the treatment of many abdominal and pelvic conditions. Compared to traditional open surgery, it offers advantages like improved cosmetic results, less post-operative pain, and quicker recovery times. As surgical tools have advanced, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SIL) has emerged, where the entire procedure is performed through a single incision, typically hidden in the umbilicus.

SIL aims to further reduce the invasiveness of surgery compared to standard laparoscopy, which uses multiple incisions. The goal is to minimize post-operative pain, shorten hospital stays, speed up recovery, and improve cosmetic outcomes.

Endometrial cancer, the most common gynecologic malignancy, often requires surgical staging. While a vaginal approach is preferred for hysterectomies in benign conditions, it may not allow for the thorough abdominal survey and lymphadenectomy needed for endometrial cancer management. This article explores a case where SIL was successfully used in conjunction with vaginal hysterectomy to treat endometrial cancer in an obese patient.

How Does Single Incision Laparoscopy Improve Endometrial Cancer Treatment?

Single Incision Laparoscopy for Endometrial Cancer Treatment

The study explores the potential of single incision laparoscopy (SIL) as a minimally invasive surgical approach for treating endometrial cancer, particularly in patients with obesity. Traditional methods often involve open laparotomy, which can lead to significant post-operative pain and longer recovery times. SIL, by contrast, aims to reduce these burdens.

A key aspect of the study involves a case report of a 35-year-old obese woman (BMI of 42) diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma type I. The patient underwent a SIL procedure using the SITRACC device, followed by a vaginal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy. This combined approach aimed to achieve complete cancer removal while minimizing surgical trauma.

Reduced Invasiveness: SIL minimizes surgical trauma through a single incision.
Cosmetic Benefits: The single incision is hidden within the umbilicus, resulting in a less visible scar.
Faster Recovery: Patients may experience shorter hospital stays and quicker return to normal activities.
Effective Treatment: SIL, combined with vaginal hysterectomy, can effectively address endometrial cancer.

The patient's post-operative course was uneventful, and she was discharged from the hospital within 24 hours. Follow-up visits revealed no complications, and the patient was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. This case suggests that SIL is a feasible and potentially beneficial approach for treating endometrial cancer in obese patients.

The Future of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

Single incision laparoscopy represents a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer. While more research is needed to determine its long-term outcomes and suitability for all patients, it offers a promising alternative to traditional approaches, particularly for obese women who may face increased risks with open surgery. As surgical techniques and technologies continue to evolve, SIL has the potential to become a standard of care for treating endometrial cancer and other gynecologic conditions, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL), and how does it differ from traditional laparoscopy in treating endometrial cancer?

Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) is a minimally invasive surgical technique where the entire procedure is performed through a single incision, usually in the umbilicus. In contrast, traditional laparoscopy uses multiple incisions. This difference is key in the context of endometrial cancer treatment because SIL aims to reduce surgical trauma, minimize post-operative pain, shorten hospital stays, and improve cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional methods and open surgery. In the treatment of endometrial cancer, the combination of SIL and vaginal hysterectomy offers a less invasive approach, which can be particularly beneficial for patients, especially those who are morbidly obese.

What are the specific advantages of using Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) and vaginal hysterectomy for obese patients with endometrial cancer?

For obese patients, Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) combined with vaginal hysterectomy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery. SIL minimizes surgical trauma, which is particularly crucial for obese patients who may be at higher risk of complications from more invasive procedures. The benefits include reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and improved cosmetic results due to the single, hidden incision. These advantages are significant because obesity can increase the complexity and risks associated with surgical interventions for endometrial cancer, making SIL a potentially safer and more patient-friendly option.

Can you explain the surgical procedure of Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) in conjunction with vaginal hysterectomy for endometrial cancer, as described in the case study?

In the case study, Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) was utilized along with a vaginal hysterectomy for a patient diagnosed with endometrial adenocarcinoma type I. The SIL procedure, using the SITRACC device, allowed for a minimally invasive approach to address the cancer within the abdominal cavity. Following the SIL, a vaginal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy were performed to remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. This combined approach aimed to achieve complete cancer removal while minimizing surgical trauma and maximizing patient recovery, demonstrating how SIL can be effectively integrated with other surgical techniques for optimal outcomes.

What is the significance of the SITRACC device mentioned in the context of Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) for endometrial cancer treatment?

The SITRACC device is a specific tool used in Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) procedures. Although the text does not go into detail on the SITRACC device, it highlights that the device is essential in facilitating the SIL. The use of the SITRACC device during the SIL allows surgeons to perform the entire procedure through a single incision, typically in the umbilicus. This specialized tool supports the minimally invasive nature of SIL, enabling complex surgical procedures like those used in treating endometrial cancer while minimizing invasiveness, improving cosmetic outcomes, and potentially reducing recovery times. It allows for easier access for the surgeon for surgical procedures, especially in obese patients.

What does the future hold for Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) in treating endometrial cancer and other gynecologic conditions?

The future of Single Incision Laparoscopy (SIL) in gynecologic surgery looks promising. SIL represents a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgery for endometrial cancer and potentially other gynecologic conditions. While more research is needed to determine long-term outcomes and suitability for all patients, SIL offers a promising alternative to traditional approaches. As surgical techniques and technologies continue to evolve, SIL has the potential to become a standard of care, leading to improved patient outcomes, reduced invasiveness, shorter recovery times, and an improved quality of life for patients undergoing treatment for endometrial cancer and other gynecologic conditions.