Minimally invasive surgery seems particularly suited to adolescents in view of the cosmetic improvements it provides. This study reports on our first experience of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for adjustable gastric banding (SILS-AGB) using a single-trocar approach and evaluates its safety and efficacy as compared with conventional four-trocar laparoscopy.

The data of adolescent patients who underwent SILS-AGB or conventional laparoscopy for adjustable gastric banding (CL-AGB) between 2014 and 2019 in our center were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative data on weight- and obesity-associated comorbidities were used to assess the efficacy of the surgical intervention. Perioperative and postoperative data on the duration of surgery, use of analgesics, hospital stay, and complications were compared between the SILS and CL groups along with an assessment of scar quality.

Overall, 12 patients, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 43.3 kg/m^-² (37.0–55.5) at surgery were included in the SILS-AGB group and compared with 14 patients who underwent classic laparoscopy (CL-AGB group) and had an initial BMI of 39.5 kg/m^-² (32.0–49.8). Median surgery time was 82 min (55–140) in the CL-AGB group and 106 min (75–159) in the SILS-AGB group (p = 0.04). Postoperative recovery was better in the SILS-AGB group with a mean duration of level-3 intravenous analgesia of 1.8 ± 0.4 days (vs. 2.4 ± 0.6 days, p = 0.02) and a median duration of hospitalization of 2 days (2–3) versus 3 days (2–5) (p = 0.0005). Mid-term follow-up showed equivalent efficacy in terms of weight loss, with a mean BMI at 12 months of 38.5 ± 6.0 kg m^-1kg m^-1² in both groups, and resolution of hyperinsulinism (92.3 % before surgery vs. 48 % at 6 months).

SILS for AGB placement appears to be as safe and effective as CL despite a slightly longer operative time. SILS was associated with faster recovery and better cosmetic results with a single scar.