Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
The Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass: A Less Intrusive Surgical Weight Loss Option
It is estimated that around 20,000 individuals in the United States underwent a laparoscopic gastric bypass in 2010, which accounts for more than 10% of all gastric bypasses performed last year throughout the country. The procedure uses a so-called “limited access method” – which will be explained below – and has grown considerably in popularity over the last decade, since it uses less intrusion than traditional gastric bypasses, while still guaranteeing excellent results.
The limited access method:
During this procedure, a surgeon creates several small incisions rather than utilizing one large incision. One incision is used to place a medical telescope inside, and the others for instruments that are specially designed for this kind of procedure. The surgeon is, then, able to see the entire operation on a screen, using the live video feed from the telescope. The procedure doesn’t allow full access to the stomach, like an open surgery would, hence use of the word “limited”.
How it works:
After the incisions are made, the laparoscopic gastric bypass follows the same method as other standard bypasses, with the stomach being divided in two and then part of the intestine being bypassed. Benefits come from the series of small incisions, as opposed to a large one.
Advantages of the method:
While the surgeon has to watch the whole procedure on a screen, a skilled and experienced doctor can complete the surgery just as quickly and efficiently as would be possible with a full open stomach surgery. Additionally, there exists the option to make a larger incision if the need arises; surgery has the flexibility to deal with most unforeseen complications. In a “worst case scenario”, the laparoscopic gastric bypass can turn into a traditional, open surgery.
The laparoscopic gastric bypass shortens the hospital stay for the patient, allowing them to return home sooner; in addition, the recovery time is typically shorter, letting patients get back to their normal routine sooner. Finally, the surgery provides a cosmetic benefit: The incisions typically heal well and leave minimal scarring.
In light of these advantages, the laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery should be an option discussed with the patient’s healthcare provider.
