What is Laparoscopic bariatric surgery?
A. Laparoscopic surgery involves making five 1/2- inch incisions and performing the operation by observation through a small camera. The laparoscope, which is connected to a video camera, is inserted through one of the small abdominal incisions, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient’s internal abdominal space on a television monitor. The entire operation is performed “inside” the abdomen after gas has been inserted to expand the abdomen. Advantages of the laparoscopic approach include reduced post-operative pain, shorter hospitalization, faster return to work and improved appearance. The recovery time for the laparoscopic procedure also is expected to be shorter, though similar possible complications exist.
