Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery

During a laparoscopic operation, a small video camera is inserted into the abdomen, while the surgeon views the procedure and the insides of the abdomen on a video monitor. The camera and surgical instruments are inserted through small incisions made in the abdominal wall. This approach is less invasive as it replaces the need for open incisions, which also increases the risk of infection. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery experience less pain after the surgery, leading to easier breathing and lung function. Other benefits with laparoscopic surgery are that there are fewer wound complications.

Laparoscopic weight loss surgery produces similar excess weight loss as compared to the other methods. However, not all surgeons are qualified enough to perform laparoscopic surgery and the American Society for Bariatric Surgery recommends that laparoscopic WLS be performed only by surgeons who are experienced in both laparoscopic and open bariatric procedures.