Clinical evaluation of a novel commercial single port in laparoendoscopic single-site surgery

Introduction Endoscopic total extraperitoneal herniorrhaphy (TEP) has emerged as a recognized surgical method for adult inguinal hernia. To reduce port-site-related morbidity and improve postoperative convalescence, a novel surgical approach known as laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) TEP repair has been developed. Aim To compare the clinical efficiency of a novel commercial single port with a homemade single port in TEP groin hernia repair. Methods Sixty consecutive patients undergoing LESS TEP repair were enrolled in this trial with 31 in the homemade port group and 29 in the commercial single-port group. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were recorded. The patients were interviewed postoperatively at outpatient clinics. Results The demographic data were comparable between the two groups. The median operative time was longer in the homemade port group than in the commercial port group (59.4 vs. 51.4 minutes, respectively, p = 0.04). The homemade port group was significantly associated with more port-related malfunctions than the commercial port group (19% vs. 0, respectively, p = 0.02). The postoperative results were comparable between the groups in pain scores, analgesic requirements, complications, and postoperative convalescence. Conclusion The novel commercial single port studied is associated with less intraoperative malfunctions and improved the procedural efficiency of LESS TEP for groin hernia repair. Thus, a well-designed commercial port will be of significant benefit in overcoming the existing procedural inefficiencies of single-port surgery performed using a homemade port, which requires relatively time-consuming procedures and significant experience of the surgeon.