A relatively new and innovative laparoscopic surgical procedure, the Single Incision Laparoscopy Hysterectomy (SILS hysterectomy) was recently performed for the first time in Israel at Rabin Medical Center's Women's Hospital. For some of the over 5,000 women who undergo regular hysterectomies every year in Israel this could mean the end of multiple incisions, visible scars and long recovery times.

This first SILS Hysterectomy was performed by Dr. Chen Goldchmit, head of the Gynecological Endoscopy Service at Rabin Medical Center's Women's Hospital. The patient, a 43 year old woman who suffered from prolonged bleeding and a slightly enlarged womb had already undergone conservative treatment but her situation hadn't improved and she had to have a hysterectomy.

The SILS hysterectomy allowed for the removal of her uterus through a small incision (slightly smaller than the diameter of a nickel) in the belly button. After the surgery she recovered quickly and was released from the hospital the following day, with only one tiny scar. An FDA approved procedure; Dr. Goldchmit received the required expertise and training for performing the SILS hysterectomy in France. He then trained his medical staff in Israel and using advanced laparoscopic equipment performed the first such procedure in Israel at Rabin Medical Center. 

Dr. Chen Goldchmit: "This innovative procedure reflects the advances in tiny invasive laparoscopic surgery and provides not only less risk but better cosmetic results, which is of great importance to many women".