This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8045356.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Hospital hails 'scarless' success Hospital hails 'scarless' success
(about 4 hours later)
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has become the first in Europe to remove a spleen using a "virtually scarless" single keyhole technique, it has been claimed.Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has become the first in Europe to remove a spleen using a "virtually scarless" single keyhole technique, it has been claimed.
The single port splenectomy was performed by Prof Zyg Krukowski and Irfan Ahmed. The single incision laparoscopic surgery (Sils) was performed by Prof Zyg Krukowski and Irfan Ahmed.
They used one 15mm incision just below the left rib cage.They used one 15mm incision just below the left rib cage.
Mr Ahmed said: "Removing a spleen using this novel technique is a more challenging operation because of its unique location in the body."Mr Ahmed said: "Removing a spleen using this novel technique is a more challenging operation because of its unique location in the body."
The technique has already been successfully used in Aberdeen for gall bladder, appendix and hernia operations, since October last year.The technique has already been successfully used in Aberdeen for gall bladder, appendix and hernia operations, since October last year.
Even keyhole surgery, which involves several incisions, has not been used routinely in some hospitals for removing a spleen. We are pleased to take it a step further Irfan AhmedAberdeen Royal InfirmaryEven keyhole surgery, which involves several incisions, has not been used routinely in some hospitals for removing a spleen. We are pleased to take it a step further Irfan AhmedAberdeen Royal Infirmary
The latest technique involves making a single incision and inserting a port with multiple channels so that instruments - including a miniature camera - can be fed through to the site of the operation, all through the one access point.The latest technique involves making a single incision and inserting a port with multiple channels so that instruments - including a miniature camera - can be fed through to the site of the operation, all through the one access point.
Prof Krukowski said: "After freeing the spleen it was placed in special bag, and removed through the port site.Prof Krukowski said: "After freeing the spleen it was placed in special bag, and removed through the port site.
"The procedure took a little over one hour which is similar to our routine laparoscopic approach."The procedure took a little over one hour which is similar to our routine laparoscopic approach.
"The patient was able to go home 24 hours after the surgery.""The patient was able to go home 24 hours after the surgery."
Mr Ahmed said: "Even keyhole surgery, which involves several incisions, has not been used routinely in some hospitals for removing a spleen.Mr Ahmed said: "Even keyhole surgery, which involves several incisions, has not been used routinely in some hospitals for removing a spleen.
"In Aberdeen, keyhole spleen removal has been in routine practice for more than 15 years."In Aberdeen, keyhole spleen removal has been in routine practice for more than 15 years.
"Now we are pleased to take it a step further and remove it through a single keyhole.""Now we are pleased to take it a step further and remove it through a single keyhole."