Laparoscopic approach to weight loss surgery

Laparoscopic Approach

All the procedures are performed Laparoscopically. When a Laparoscopic operation is performed, a small video camera inserted into the abdomen allows the surgeon to conduct and view the surgery on a video monitor.

The camera and surgical instruments are usually inserted through small incisions made in the abdominal wall.

Laparoscopic procedures for weight loss surgery employ the same principles as their 'open' counterparts and produce similar excess weight loss.

Compared to open surgery, some benefits of laparoscopic surgery include Faster recovery and return to pre-surgical level of activity.

Modern laparoscopic treatment offers the following advantages

• Short stay (24-48 hrs).
• Practically pain free.
• No wound related complications.
• Patients returns to work in less than a week.
• Cosmetically 5 tiny scars ½ - 1 ½ cm.
• Low complication rate comparable to any other surgery.
• Improves overall quality of life (QOL).

Risk

All major surgery involves a certain level of risk. Risks involved with weight loss surgery vary according to procedure performed.

Complications

• Re-operation rate 1%.
• Anastomotic leak 1%.
• Anastomotic stricture 2%.
• Wound infection 1%.
• Obstruction 5%.
• Deep vein thrombosis 1%.

Side Effects

• Restriction of eating small meal indefinitely.
• Occasional Vomiting / Regurgitations.
• Minor hair loss.
• Occasional constipation.
• Loose / Boggy skin.
• Deficiency of Protein /Vitamins if supplements are stopped.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR All WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY

Surgery should not be considered until all other options have been evaluated.

• Weight loss surgery is not a cosmetic surgery.
• The decision to elect surgical treatment requires an assessment of the risk and benefit to you and the meticulous performance of the appropriate surgical procedure.
• The success of weight loss surgery is dependent on your long term lifestyle changes in diet, exercise and behavior modification.
• In a survey of over 10,000 patients, the mortality rate for weight loss surgery was 0.30%.

What defines successful weight loss surgery?

A recent study established the following criteria

• The ability to achieve and maintain loss of at least 50% of excess body weight without having substantial adverse effects.

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