Single-incision laparoscopic surgery increases the risk of unintentional thermal injury from the monopolar “Bovie” instrument in comparison with traditional laparoscopy

Background Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) places multiple instruments in close, parallel proximity, an orientation that may have implications in the production of stray current from the monopolar “Bovie” instrument. The purpose of this study was to compare the energy transferred during SILS compared to traditional four-port laparoscopic surgery (TRD).