title: The feasibility of single-port laparoscopic appendectomy using a solo approach: a comparative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the feasibility and safety of solo surgery with single-port laparoscopic appendectomy, which is termed herein solo-SPLA (solo-single-port laparoscopic appendectomy).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed data from patients who had undergone either non-solo-SPLA (n = 150) or solo-SPLA (n = 150). Several devices were utilized for complete, skin-to-skin solo-SPSA, including a Lone Star Retractor System and an adjustable mechanical camera holder.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Operating times were not significantly different between solo- and non-solo-SPLA (45.0 ± 21.0 minutes vs. 46.7 ± 26.1 minutes, P = 0.646). Most postoperative variables were also comparable between groups, including the necessity for intravenous analgesics (0.7 ± 1.2 ampules [solo-SPLA] vs. 0.9 ± 1.5 ampules [non-solo-SPLA], P = 0.092), time interval to gas passing (1.3 ± 1.0 days vs. 1.4 ± 1.0 days, P = 0.182), and the incidence of postoperative complications (4.0% vs. 8.7%, P = 0.153). Moreover, solo-SPLA effectively lowered the operating cost by reducing surgical personnel expenses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Solo-SPLA economized staff numbers and thus lowered hospital costs without lengthening of operating time. Therefore, solo-SPLA could be considered a safe and feasible alternative to non-solo-SPLA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Say-June
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Byung-Jo
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Wonjun
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Jeong
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon, Korea.
authors.forename: Sang Chul
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Appendectomy; Laparoscopic camera holder; Single port laparoscopic surgery; Solo surgeon