Single-Port Surgery: Uses, Benefits and Recovery
Updated: 2 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer
Single-port surgery is minimally invasive surgery done through one small incision, usually in or near the belly button, with a port that holds all the instruments. It's commonly used in urology, including prostatectomy and kidney surgery. Benefits include little scarring, less pain and a faster recovery. It's more technically demanding, so choose an experienced surgeon.
What the research says
Single-port prostate surgery matched multiport with a shorter stay: a review of 8 studies with 1,389 men found no differences in operating time, blood loss, cancer margins, complications, continence or erections between single-port and multiport robotic prostatectomy, and the hospital stay was 0.86 days shorter with single-port (Le N et al., Archivos Españoles de Urología, 2025) [2]
Single-port surgery meant less pain: a large review of prostate and kidney surgeries found single-port robotic surgery gave shorter hospital stays and less pain with similar continence, potency and cancer outcomes after prostatectomy (Ficarra V et al., European Urology, 2025) [3]
Key takeaways
Single-port surgery uses just one small incision.
Robotic tools give precise movements and magnified views.
It's common for prostate, kidney and bladder surgery.
It means less scarring and pain.
Most people return to work in about a week.
What is single-port surgery?
Open surgery uses one large incision; traditional laparoscopy and robotic surgery use three to five or more small ones. Single-port uses just one. A dedicated single-port robotic system was first used in 2018. Sources: [1]
What it's used for
Urologists use it often.
Kidney: nephrectomy, kidney donation, kidney transplant and pyeloplasty.
Prostate: prostatectomy.
Bladder: cystectomy. Sources: [1]
It may also help people who can't have standard robotic surgery, such as those with many past belly surgeries or severe heart or lung disease. Sources: [1]
Single-port vs. other approaches
Single-port means the least scarring.
Approach | Incisions | Notes |
Open | One large incision | Best for some complex cases |
Laparoscopic or multiport robotic | Three to five or more small | Widely used |
Single-port robotic | One small incision | Least scarring; technically harder |
Sources: [1, 2, 3]
How to prepare
Review your history, medicines and allergies, and sign consent.
Don't eat or drink for at least eight hours before.
Wear loose clothes and remove jewelry.
Skip nail polish and acrylic nails. Sources: [1]
What happens during surgery
It takes about two to four hours.
You get general anesthesia.
One small incision is made in or near your belly button.
Your belly is inflated with carbon dioxide gas.
The robot and instruments go in through the single port.
The surgeon completes the procedure. Sources: [1]
Risks
Anesthesia risks.
Infection.
Organ damage.
Healing problems or fluid buildup (seroma).
Bleeding.
Belly tenderness and cramping. Sources: [1]
Because all tools share one entry point, the surgery is harder. Choose a surgeon who does it often at a high-volume hospital. Sources: [1]
Benefits
Little to no scarring.
Possibly fewer complications than open or standard laparoscopic surgery.
Less pain.
Possible same-day discharge.
Faster recovery. Sources: [1, 2, 3]
Recovery
Don't drive for at least 24 hours.
Have an adult stay with you for a day or two.
Return to work or school in about a week.
Physically demanding jobs may need up to four weeks.
Most return to typical activities in two to four weeks. Sources: [1]
When to call your provider
Changes in urination.
Swelling in your legs, lower back or face.
Rising blood pressure.
Nausea or vomiting.
Brain fog. Sources: [1]
Conclusion
Single-port surgery lets surgeons do complex operations through one small cut, with less pain and a faster recovery. An experienced surgeon is key to the best results.
Keep learning: read about robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery.
Frequently asked questions
What is single-port surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery through one small incision.
Is it robotic?
Often, using a dedicated single-port robot.
Where is the incision?
Usually in or near the belly button.
What surgeries use it?
Prostate, kidney and bladder surgeries, among others.
How long does it take?
About two to four hours.
Will I have a scar?
Little to no visible scarring.
Can I go home the same day?
Sometimes.
When can I go back to work?
In about a week for most jobs.
Is it safer than multiport surgery?
Studies show similar safety with less pain.
Who should perform it?
A surgeon who does it often at a high-volume hospital.
Related Reading
Robotic Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide to Minimally Invasive Procedures robotic surgery overview.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Techniques, Benefits, and What to Expect minimally invasive techniques.
Laparoscopy: What It Is, Uses, Procedure and Recovery keyhole surgery.
Prostatectomy: Types, Surgery, Risks and Recovery prostate removal.
Nephrectomy: Purpose, Types, Procedure, Recovery and Risks kidney removal.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Single-Port Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated June 9, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17476-single-port-surgery
Le N, Zhuang X, Yan Y, et al. Comparison of single-port and multiple-port robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archivos Españoles de Urología. 2025;78(10):1467-1475. PMID 41492679. https://doi.org/10.56434/j.arch.esp.urol.20257810.191
Ficarra V, Romito I, Sorce G, et al. Comparison of single- and multiport robot-assisted approaches in prostate and renal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Urology. 2025;88(6):589-613. PMID 41016915. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2025.08.010
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
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