Open Bariatric Surgery Vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery

Bariatric surgery has been performed over the years on morbidly obese people and on those who seek an alternative to traditional weight loss programs. During this period, surgery was performed as an open procedure, with the surgeon creating a linear incision, opening up the patient. With the advent and evolution of medical technology, laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery became a possibility and then a reality. In using laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive method in comparison, the surgeon creates multiple, small incisions with downtime significantly reduced. Both approaches have similar success rates in reducing excess weight and in improving or resolving co-morbidities.

Surgeons today generally perform bariatric surgery using the laparoscopic method. This, however, is a joint decision to be made by the doctor and patient. An important consideration for patients is: How many procedures, minimally invasive versus open procedures has the surgeon performed over the course of a specific time period?

Open Surgery

Open surgery requires the surgeon to create a large incision, opening up the abdomen and operating utilizing "traditional" medical instruments. The surgery in an inpatient procedure, where the stay will be several days longer than with minimally invasive surgery due to the chance of complication and the size of the scar. Recovery time is much longer in comparison, with patients needing to heal for weeks prior to returning to work and physical activities. The more expansive the wound, the more chance of infection; in the same respect, the longer incision, the longer the scar. In some cases, the open method is necessary due to some patient-specific risks.

Laparoscopic or Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery involves creating several tiny incisions for different medical devices to be used. On average, four to six portals are created for the surgery. The devices, of which a small video camera is used, are inserted through these ports. The surgeon will use a monitor to perform the surgery, believing this gives them an optimal view with excellent access.

Patients recover from the surgery in minimal fashion in comparison to the time that open procedures tend to take. Most patients return to work in over one week, many tend to increase their weight loss and quickly returning to normal physical activity. Patients may will very small scars from the incisions, and there is also a lower chance of wound complications with respect to infection and hernias.

Laparoscopic and open procedures for bariatric surgery can both produce similar weight loss results, but all patients may not be appropriate candidates for the laparoscopic approach, just as many bariatric surgeons are not trained to perform this less-invasive method. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery has recommended that laparoscopic bariatric surgery be performed only by surgeons who are experienced in both laparoscopic and open bariatric procedures.

Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician