Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is an alternative to traditional laparoscopic surgery. SILS offers patients the same benefits of laparoscopic surgery but through a single skin incision. In most cases, there are usually no visible scars after healing so the surgical incision can be completely hidden.

A variety of terms describe SILS, including:

• SILS: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery
• SPA: Single-port access surgery
• LESS: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery

Northwestern Medicine surgeons perform SILS to remove the gallbladder, colon, appendix and spleen. By reducing the number of incisions, patients benefit by having less pain and faster recovery.