Laparoscopic procedures, sometimes called “belly-button” surgery, are by their very nature minimally invasive. Several small incisions are used rather than one large one. The theory behind minimally invasive surgery is to decrease hospital stays and limit postoperative pain, infections, and problems with wound healing. Since 1993, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and gastric banding has become increasingly popular. In 2012, most bariatric surgeries are being successfully performed laparoscopically. There is a small risk that events during surgery may require conversion of minimally invasive surgery to “open” surgery. You must be aware that there continues to be a learning curve for surgeons performing this type of specialized surgery; less experience or inadequate training means more complications, including potentially lethal leaks. Some state medical boards are so concerned by this problem that they have opened investigations. It is vital that you make sure that the surgeon is very experienced not only in laparoscopic surgery in general, but in laparoscopic bariatric surgery in particular. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon how many he/she has done. A good answer- 250 or more.
