Transumbilical Hidden-Scar High Anterior Resection for Sigmoid Colon Cancer Using GelPOINT® Through an Umbilical Zigzag Skin Incision

Abstract Introduction: Hidden-scar surgery is a new method by which surgeons perform abdominal operations through one incision made in the folds of the patient's umbilicus. However, with a straight incision in the umbilicus, the maximal opening of the fascia is 2 cm. The 2-cm fascial opening is not enough to allow for the triangulation of instruments, the removal of specimens, and the performance of anastomosis, particularly during gastrectomy and colectomy. To overcome this problem, we developed an umbilical zigzag skin incision with a 6-cm opening of the fascia and peritoneum in collaboration with plastic surgeons and used Gelport® to maintain pneumoperitoneum, which resulted in a scarless wound.1 Plastic surgeons modified this technique from umbilicoplasties for umbilical deformities.2,3 We have performed gastrectomies, colectomies, cholecystectomies, and transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repairs using this method without any complications and have succeeded in hiding scars in the umbilicus. GelPOINT...