For the last decade, laparoscopic procedures have been used in a variety of general surgeries. In fact, laparoscopy has become the predominant technique in some areas of surgery and has been used for weight loss surgery for several years. Although few bariatric surgeons perform laparoscopic weight loss surgeries, more are offering patients this less invasive surgical option whenever possible.
The Procedure
When a laparoscopic operation is performed, a small video camera is inserted into the abdomen. The surgeon views the procedure on a special television set. Performing surgery this way gives the surgeon a magnified and very well lighted view of anatomy that is typically hard to see by traditional methods.
The camera and surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions about 1/8 to ½ inch long. This approach replaces the need for one long incision to open the abdomen. Patients having had laparoscopic weight loss surgery experience less pain after surgery resulting in easier breathing and lung function and higher overall oxygen levels. Other realized benefits with laparoscopy have been fewer wound complications such as infection or hernia, and patients returning more quickly to pre-surgical levels of activity.