Changing our view of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: a review of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery and a report on new approaches.

Abstract

The recent emergence of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has had a great impact on gynecology. As LESS grows in popularity, attention has been paid to the procedure's cosmetic benefits. Although in theory LESS is an ideal approach that leaves no visible scars and improves patients' quality of life, the outcomes are not always ideal according to recently published data. Therefore, alternative approaches, such as mini-laparoscopy, are also becoming more popular. Herein, we review randomized trials studying the benefits of LESS in gynecology and discuss alternative approaches. Finally, we propose the mimic approach as the next generation for non-visible scar surgery. © 2013 Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery, Asia Endosurgery Task Force and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.