Single-port access (SPA^™) laparoscopic tubal occlusion

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of Single Port Access (SPA^™) laparoscopy for gynecologic sterilization. Cases: This was done by a case series of SPA tubal occlusions in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hahnemann University Hospital, Drexel University College of Medicine Program. From 2008 to 2009, 10 patients with indications for laparoscopic bilateral tubal occlusion underwent the procedure. Each procedure was performed through a single skin incision at the umbilicus. The accessory trocar was placed inferior and lateral to the initial trocar using the same skin incision. All 10 patients tolerated the procedure well, estimated blood losses were negligible, and no complications were encountered. Operating time and postoperative morbidity were similar to the multiport approach, with cosmetic outcomes comparable to single-arm operative laparoscopy. In addition, SPA offered impressive instrument flexibility and a generous scope of view, maintaining safety and ease of surgery. Conclusions: This makes SPA an excellent laparoscopic training method, and its applications in gynecologic surgery should continue to be explored.