What are the advantages of Laparoscopy?
With laparoscopy, it is not necessary to cut through the muscle and the surgery is done through small incisions. The surgeon is able to clearly see the magnified operative field using a television monitor. Advantages include a reduction in potential wound complications, less pain, fewer hernias and a faster return to full activity. For gastric bypass patients, this approach is ideal for appropriate candidates. It is important to emphasize that even when surgery is done through small incisions, it is still a major operation. While we are doing more operations in this minimally invasive manner, time in the hospital, as well as immediate post-operative pain appear similar. Additionally, since the operation is the same with the exception of the size and number of abdominal incisions, a substantial part of the recovery is adjustment to new diet.
