A comparative cross-sectional study on cosmetic outcomes after single port or conventional laparoscopic surgery

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare cosmetic outcomes and patients' satisfaction between women who underwent single port laparoscopic surgery (SP-LS) or conventional laparoscopic surgery (conventional-LS). The secondary objective was to evaluate the cosmetic effect of SP-LS in women with abdominal scars from prior surgeries. Study design: Patients who were followed up after SP-LS or conventional-LS for gynecologic disease were included. Cosmetic outcome was evaluated at least six months after surgery. Objective and subjective scar analysis were performed using the Vancouver scar scale, the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), and a visual analog scale (VAS). Overall satisfaction with the surgery was evaluated with VAS. Results: 130 women were included, with 65 women in each group. No difference in objective scar assessment for only umbilical scar was shown. In the subjective scar assessment and satisfaction with the surgery, SP-LS group was more satisfied. SP-LS group with abdominal scar had higher satisfaction in overall satisfaction with the scar. Conclusions: SP-LS offers better cosmesis and overall patient satisfaction with surgery in women with gynecologic disease. SP-LS also seems to have considerable cosmetic benefit in women with abdominal scars from prior surgeries. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.