Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally Invasive, Minimal Scarring
19 August 2026
Over the last few decades, traditional open surgery has shifted toward laparoscopic, or "keyhole" surgery, which utilises three to five small incisions. Today, surgery has evolved even further with Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery — a cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique where the entire operation is performed through just one tiny incision, usually completely hidden inside the belly button.
What is Single-Port Surgery?
In conventional laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon inserts a small camera through a hole and individual surgical tools through several other holes. Single-Port Surgery consolidates all these access points into a single opening, typically measuring between 1.5 to 2.5 cm.
Single-Port Surgery is performed via a small opening via the belly button
Through a specialised port inserted into this lone incision, a camera and specialised laparoscopic instruments pass simultaneously. The surgeon can manipulate these tools with extreme dexterity, performing complex internal procedures through a singular point of entry.
The Advantages of Single-Port Surgery
Choosing a single-port approach offers some benefits compared to traditional multi-port laparoscopic surgery:
- Minimal, Well-Hidden Scarring: Because the single incision sits within the natural folds of the umbilicus (belly button), the resulting scar becomes virtually invisible once healed.
Our Single-Port Surgery patient without visible scar -
Significantly Less Post-Operative Pain: Fewer punctures mean less disruption to the abdominal muscles, nerve pathways, and surrounding tissues. Some studies suggest single-port patients require less pain medication after surgery.
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Reduced Risk of Wound Complications: Minimising the number of entry wounds naturally decreases the statistical opportunities of localised wound infections, bleeding, or hernia formation.
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Rapid Recovery & Shorter Hospital Stays: Patients undergoing single-port procedures regularly experience shorter hospitalisations and are able to safely return to work, family life, and physical activities sooner than with conventional surgery.
Conditions Treated with Single-Port Surgery
Single-Port Surgery has moved well beyond simple exploratory procedures. It is actively utilised across general surgery, gynaecology, and urology to treat a wide range of conditions.
General Surgery
- Appendectomy: Removal of an inflamed or ruptured appendix through the navel.
- Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder, typically due to painful gallstones or inflamed gallbladder
- Hernia Repair: Repair of abdominal or inguinal hernias with minimal tissue disruption.
Supporting You Through Your Surgical Care Experience
When opting for highly specialised, minimally invasive techniques, surgical volume and institutional experience matter. At Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, we take pride in being a centre for advanced minimally invasive surgery, and among the centres with one of the highest volumes of single-port surgeries in Malaysia.
We prioritise your smooth recovery and complete comfort above all else, taking steps such as early ambulation to support patients’ optimal recovery after single-port surgery.
With single-port surgery, patient can expect smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, and a much quicker return to daily life. If you or a loved one is considering surgery and wants a faster recovery with minimal scarring, our team is here to help you consider if this may be the right option for you. Click below to schedule a consultation or find out more today.
