Does single-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy result in improved short-term perioperative outcomes compared to conventional multi-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy?

A best evidence topic in bariatric surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question asked whether single-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy produces better short-term perioperative outcomes compared to the conventional multi-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in the treatment of morbid obesity. A Pubmed search generated 82 papers, 6 of which represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. Of the 6, 1 paper was an updated analysis of the same patient cohort. The evidence on this subject is good. Five papers were level III, nonrandomized studies, 2 of which were prospective and 3 were retrospective cohort studies. The sixth paper was a level II, randomized, prospective study. We conclude that single-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy results in less use of postoperative analgesia and better cosmetic satisfaction compared to multi-port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in the short-term. The two groups showed comparable results in terms of mean operative time, mean hospitalization, and percentage excess weight loss. There was no difference in rate of postoperative complications including trocar site incisional hernia, staple line leaks, and bleeding.