Surgical Procedures

What is Minimally Invasive Surgery?

Minimally Invasive or laparoscopic surgery eliminates the need for a large incision.  Instead, five to seven small incisions are created, a camera and instruments are introduced into the abdominal cavity and the procedure is performed. 

Advantages of the Laparoscopic approach include:

• Less pain which leads to decrease requirement of pain medication and earlier return of bowel function. 
• Earlier mobility whereby patients are ambulating the day of surgery which decreases the risk of deep venous thrombosis (clots in the lower extremities) and atelectasis (collapse of part of the lung) that can lead to lung infections.

There are risks associated with any abdominal surgery.  A patient’s weight, age and medical history play a significant role in determining specific risks.  Your surgeon will inform you about your specific risks for bariatric surgery.  Risks associated with any abdominal surgery include:

• Complications due to anesthesia
• Wound infections
• Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) – clots in the lower extremities
• Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – clots that travel to the lungs
• Pneumonia – infection of the lung
• Atelectasis – collapse of part of the lung and decreased lung volume.  Most often due to the patient taking incomplete breaths.  It is prevented by encouraging deep breathing and early ambulation.
• Stroke or heart attack
• Intra-abdominal infections
• Injury to intra-abdominal organs or structures
• Death

Adjustable Gastric Band

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric Bypass

Frequently Asked Questions