Weight Management Information and Ideas

Advantages of Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

The laparoscopic (through a scope) technique used in many different general surgeries (such as gallbladder removal, hysterectomies, and some joint surgeries) is also used for bariatric weight loss surgery.

Instead of one long surgical incision, several tiny incisions are made in the abdomen. The surgeon views the procedure on a separate camera monitor. Many surgeons believe the laparoscopic approach gives them better access to the abdominal structures and a better view as well. The internal procedure and the end results of open or laparoscopic surgery are the same (loss of excess weight) – only the method of opening the abdomen is different.

Patients who have had bariatric surgery done through the scope typically experience a shorter hospital stay, less pain during recovery, fewer wound complications (such as infection or hernia), a shorter recovery time, and are back to work much sooner. Most patients are candidates for this approach.

Not all bariatric surgeons are trained in the laparoscopic technique. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) recommends that only surgeons, who are trained and experienced in both laparoscopic and open bariatric procedures, perform laparoscopic weight loss surgery.