Rambam introduces the new generation of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries.  The SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) procedure facilitates open surgeries through a single incision to the navel. 

About two weeks ago, a SILS (Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery) procedure was successfully carried-out for the first time at Rambam Health Care Campus, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery).

The SILS technique is the new generation of minimally invasive surgery facilitating open surgery through a single, small incision to the naval (or any other suitable area depending on the surgery), trailblazing the area of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries one step ahead.
Global practice of this new surgical technique began only last year and has since proven to be successful in different surgeries such as appendix removal operation, laparoscopic radical nephro-adrenalectomy (laparoscopic removal of the kidney and adrenal gland), adjustable gastric band surgery (weight-loss surgery), and laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery).

The advanced SILS technique offers many advantages, mainly the minimization of trauma to the abdominal wall since the surgery is performed through a single, small incision instead of many small incisions or one major incision. Therefore, the aesthetic results after SILS are the best that can be achieved today from laparoscopic surgeries; patients that have undergone SILS surgery have almost no external signs or scarring from the procedure.

Dr. Ahmad Assalia, Deputy-Director of the Department of General Surgery B and Head of the Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery and Advanced Endoscopy at Rambam, successfully performed the gallbladder removal surgery through SILS, and his patient was discharged from the hospital the following day, after his operation.  According to Dr. Assalia, "The first impressions from the outcome of the surgery point to a significantly less painful recovery." He adds that, "My patient almost didn't require pain medication and was very pleased with the aesthetic outcome."
The SILS technique is only available in three major medical centers in Israel today, and according to Dr. Assalia the reason for this is due to the very small number of physicians trained in the technique. Dr. Assalia recently completed a SILS training program in France.