 January 11, 2010, Morris, Illinois – Physicians at Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers have taken the next step in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery by removing a cancerous kidney through a single, four-centimeter incision. Thai Nguyen, M.D., board-certified urologist, along with his partner Greg Lewis, M.D., are among the first urologists in Illinois to perform a single-incision laparoscopic total nephrectomy using the SILS™ port, according to Covidien, manufacturer of the device. It was also a first for Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Lewis’s medical practice, Advanced Urology Associates.
“Laparoscopic surgery has been around for about 20 years, but up until now, there haven’t really been any significant advancements,” says Dr. Lewis. “Now you could say we’ve found a way to minimize minimally invasive surgery. When you see the tiny incision, it’s very exciting to realize that we were able to remove a kidney through such a small opening.”
The technique involves inserting the SILS™ Port into a tiny incision in the interior of the belly button. The port is made of a flexible, soft-foam and provides access for the surgeon to insert a camera and two other instruments at a time, all through a single incision.
“In traditional laparoscopic procedures, we’ve needed separate incisions for the camera and each operating instrument,” explains Dr. Nguyen. “With this device, we’re essentially able to insert everything we need through the same single incision and still have the ability to maneuver the instruments as much as needed.”
Like traditional laparoscopic procedures, Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Lewis watched their progress on video monitors. Each of the surgical suites at Morris Hospital is equipped with high definition medical video technology that provides excellent picture clarity, resolution and brightness, giving surgeons the best possible view of the anatomy and surgical field.
Once the kidney was separated from the surrounding tissue during the procedure performed by Drs. Nguyen and Lewis, it was placed in a bag, and the bag was removed from the body through the tiny incision.
While fewer and smaller incisions typically result in less pain and faster recovery, Dr. Lewis says the main advantage of single-incision laparoscopic surgery is reduced scarring. In fact, by the time the incision heals, it’s nearly invisible because of the location of the incision.
“For those concerned about scarring, this technique definitely offers the best cosmetic advantage. There’s the potential for no visible scar,” he says. “Technologically, we’ve come to this point with laparoscopic surgery.”
Serving patients in more than 18 communities, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers includes the 86-bed Morris Hospital, as well as physician offices in Braidwood, Channahon, Dwight, Gardner, Marseilles and Newark. Through the services of over 1,500 healthcare professionals, physicians and volunteers, Morris Hospital provides a Level II trauma center, interventional cardiovascular services, radiation therapy for cancer, a Level II obstetrical unit with special care nursery, a 20-bed critical care unit, and a dedicated pediatric unit. Founded in 1906, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.
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