In laparoscopy, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions
through which slender surgical instruments are passed. This technique
eliminates the need for a large incision and creates less tissue damage.
Patients who are super-obese (more than 350 pounds) or have had previous
abdominal operations may not be good candidates for laparoscopy, however.
Adjustable gastric banding is routinely performed via laparoscopy.
This technique is often used for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and although less
common, biliopancreatic diversion can also be performed laparoscopically.
The small incisions result in less blood loss, shorter hospitalization, a
faster recovery, and fewer complications than open operations. However,
combined laparoscopic procedures are more difficult to perform than open
procedures and can create serious problems if done incorrectly.
