Holy Name Press Releases

Holy Name Hospital Removing Gallbladder Through Single Incision

August 18, 2009

Minimal to no scarring, less pain with innovative new laparoscopic surgery

Teaneck, NJ - Surgeons at Holy Name are performing the Covidien SILS™ procedure to remove the gallbladder using a single incision. The SILS™ technique represents the newest development in laparoscopic surgery since the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or gallbladder removal, was performed in 1987.

Hee Yang, M.D., a general surgeon at Holy Name Hospital, used the SILS™ procedure to remove the gall bladder of a 37-year-old male patient last week. The patient returned home four hours after the procedure.

In contrast to the multiple entry points (usually three 5mm and one 11mm incisions) required by traditional laparoscopic techniques, the SILS™ procedure is conducted with one 20mm access port through the patient's umbilicus, or belly button. Because the incision is obscured, the potential for visible scarring is reduced or eliminated, and pain resulting from multiple incisions is reduced.

"With the successful completion of this procedure, Holy Name is now equipped to offer patients the most advanced form of laparoscopic cholecystectomy," says Dr. Yang. "We are thrilled to be at the forefront of a new kind of surgery that continues to transform the minimally invasive arena, resulting in even better experiences for our patients."

Gallbladder surgeries are usually performed for the treatment of gallstones (small solid formations of cholesterol and bile salts within the gallbladder) or inflammation of the gallbladder, known as cholecystitis.