How is Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Different from Open Surgery?
Both open and laparoscopic procedures follow the same principles, and both result in similar excess weight loss in patients. Open bariatric surgery is performed through one incision that is made from just below the patient’s breastbone to above the navel. During laparoscopic surgery, small incisions are made to a patient’s abdomen and the surgeon performs the operation with the aid of a small video camera that is attached to a laparoscope and inserted into one of the incisions. The surgeon views the video images taken from inside the body on a TV monitor, and performs the procedure accordingly. Gas is used to expand the abdomen during surgery.
