The fewer incisions you have, and the smaller the incisions are, the less scarring you’ll see after surgery and the less recovery time you will need. When LAP-BAND surgery first began in the 1980′s, there was no laparoscopic surgery method, so the patient’s entire mid-section had to be opened in order for the band to be inserted around the stomach. This resulted in quite a large scar–and a very long recovery time. Activities like lifting, driving, and moving had to be scaled back. Rather than planning for a longer recovery time, patients of laparoscopic surgery can focus on beginning their new, healthier lifestyle. LAP-BAND surgery is also known for its respect for the anatomical make up of the stomach, making changeable alterations rather than cutting into the stomach.

Now, with Dr. Bagnato’s single incision LAP-BAND surgery, patients have little to no visible scarring, and very little recovery time. But no visible scarring does not represent the final development for LAP-BAND surgery. Natural orifice surgery, during which Dr. Bagnato inserts all instruments into an existing orifice, such as the mouth, is probably the next leap forward in medical techniques for performing surgery without having to create an incision through the abdomen. Currently this technique is used by Dr. Bagnato for revisions to gastric bypass surgery as well as treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Studies are already under way using transoral procedures for weight loss surgery and we look forward to the results of this research to see if it will provide improved weight loss results and safety for our patients.

Single port surgery is performed using a telescopic rod that is connected to a video camera for the doctors to see as they begin working on an individual’s body. The equipment is inserted through a very small incision in the abdominal area.

Although Single Incision Lapband (SILS) surgery has been done in some centers around the country, In March I performed Southwest Geogia’s first SILS procedure. The procedure I performed is different from what other surgeons have done because what we did is truly cosmetic. The incision I made was placed at the belly button; the scar will be hidden when it heals. Other surgeons usually make a 2 to 3 inch incision in the upper abdomen. In that location, the scar is plainly visible, through a single incision at the belly button, though, the scar is much more cosmetic.

Being the first to perform the single incision surgery at the belly button is consistent with my commitment to bringing the best and latest surgical techniques to our patients. Putting a 2 inch incision on the upper abdomen is not really a true advance. If we’re going to embrace a new approach, then we’re going to kick the can down the road, not kick it sideways and claim it was kicked down the road.