Abstract
To the Editor,
With great interest I read the article on single-incision laparascopic (SILS) sigmoid resection for complicated diverticulitis in a recent issue of the journal. 1 Although the authors should be applauded for their innovative surgical technique, there is an important question to be addressed: What is the ethical limit of surgical innovation, should we adopt a new technique instead of the time-proven gold standard just because we can? SILS is still considered highly experimental and should be implemented only in areas where standard laparoscopy is superior to the open treatment. This is clearly not the case with sigmoid resection for diverticulitis as proven by several recent prospective, randomized trials.2,3
Therefore, the authors’ bold statement that “a specific approval from the hospital ethics committee was not considered necessary” is highly questionable, especially when there are obvious financial interests detailed at the end of the publication.