What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery is a “minimally invasive” alternative to traditional “open” surgery options. It is performed with 3 – 6 incisions measuring 0.5 – 1 cm in diameter or a single incision measuring 1.5 cm to provide the surgeon access to the internal stomach cavity. Via the skin openings, a tubular instrument called a trocar, or port, is inserted into the abdomen through the abdominal wall’s subcutaneous fat and muscle layers.

Specialized instruments, such as blood vessel sealing devices & surgical staplers, are used with a special camera called a laparoscope. The laparoscope transmits live video to high-resolution monitors used by the surgeon(s) to perform the surgical procedure.

Expert bariatric surgeons in Mexico, like Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela, frequently use 3 incisions rather than 5 incisions in laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy operation.

Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Mexico

Mexico Bariatric Center® (MBC) surgical teams are highly trained and skilled in laparoscopic and endoscopic operations. All bariatric procedures, including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, mini bypass, and duodenal switch, are performed laparoscopically at MBC. The gastric balloon and Endo sleeve are non-surgical alternatives performed endoscopically (see surgery options).

Which Bariatric Surgeries Are Performed Laparoscopically?

Both Open and Laparoscopic approaches to bariatric procedures produce similar success rates in reducing excess weight and improving/resolving comorbidities. However, the patient’s stay in the hospital will be several days longer in open surgery than with minimally invasive surgery.

The recovery time is much longer with open bariatric surgery. Patients will have much longer recovery time and need to heal for weeks before returning to work and regular physical activities. There is also more of a chance of wound complications such as infections and hernias.

A long incision leads to a long scar. In some cases, the open method is necessary due to some patient-specific risks.

Laparoscopic Surgery Safety

Laparoscopic surgery is as safe as open surgery while being much less invasive. All intestinal surgeries come with their inherent risk factors. Factors such as the individual’s health and medical conditions can increase risks substantially.

Risk of infection and bleeding are also important to note. The purpose of laparoscopic surgery is to limit these risks as much as possible.

Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery

Some advantages of performing the operation laparoscopically over traditional open surgery are:

1. Reduced Risk of Bleeding

Due to the small size of the incision(s) made being so small, the risk of bleeding is greatly reduced.

2. Faster Healing and Reduced Risk of Pain

The small wounds that follow laparoscopic surgery heal much more quickly than an open incision. And because they are smaller, the pain experienced by patients is also reduced. This is why bariatric patients are able to return home quickly (within days) after surgery. In some cases, patients are able to go home on the same day or the day after their surgery.

3. Less Scarring and Risk of Infection After Surgery

Larger incisions are more likely to lead to infection for patients. Infection can occur during an open surgery due to exposure to external contaminants. And after surgery, the scars are more susceptible to infection as well.

Aside from the risk of infection, herniation is at higher risk with open procedures. A herniation is particularly a risk for overweight/obese patients, making laparoscopic surgery with smaller incisions optimal.

4. Disadvantages of Laparoscopic Surgery

Higher risk of bowel obstruction: Patients with previous abdominal surgery, previous bariatric surgery, or with complicating medical conditions, may need to have open surgery performed.

Single-Incision Bariatric Surgery

The Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve (SILS), or Single-Incision Sleeve Gastrectomy, is performed laparoscopically with only a single incision through the belly button.

History of Single-Incision

The single-incision surgery took off as the advantages began to outweigh the disadvantages. Originally, a single incision was risky, as the expertise level was low and complications were high. The benefits of single-incision include:

  • Less invasive
  • Quick recovery time
  • As single incision evolved, fewer complications and more surgeon experience

Types of Single Incision Weight Loss Surgery

  • Single-incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS): The SILS is popular for surgical procedures such as gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, appendectomy, and hiatal hernia repair.
  • Single-Port Laparoscopy (SPL): The SPL is a form of SILS, using various instruments to operate on the patient.
  • Single-Port Access Surgery (SPA): The SPA is a minimally invasive procedure used primarily for gynecology.
  • Single-Port Incisionless Conventional Equipment-Utilizing Surgery (SPICES): The SPICES technique is used in a few surgeries to reduce pain and minimize scarring through the appendix.
  • Single-Access Endoscopic Surgery (SAES): The SAES uses one single port as an entry point to insert any tool to insert within the incision to perform surgery with precision.

Resources:

Single Incision Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy