Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. That means, laparoscopy requires much smaller incisions than traditional surgery. In the past decade, laparoscopic procedures have been used in a variety of general surgeries. Laparoscopy has been in use for weight loss surgery for several years now.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery requires five small incisions in the abdomen  in place of one long incision to open up the abdomen. A video camera and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon can see the process on a separate video monitor.

Patients who have had laparoscopic weight loss surgery enjoy faster recovery, as the incisions are smaller. A recent study has shown that they experience relatively less pain. This in turn results in easier breathing and lung function and higher overall oxygen levels. Faster healing means shorter hospital stay. Smaller incisions mean  fewer wound complications such as infection, scarring, or hernia. Patients can return more quickly to pre-surgical levels of activity. (Ref. 1)

Both laparoscopic and procedure and "open" or traditional procedure for weight loss surgery employ the same principles. Both produce similar excess weight loss. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery recommends that laparoscopic weight loss surgery should only be performed by surgeons who are experienced in both laparoscopic and open bariatric procedures.

1) Nguyen NT, Goldman C, Rosenquist CJ, Arango A, Cole CJ, Lee SJ, Wolfe BM. Laparoscopic vs. Open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Randomized Study of Outcomes, Quality of Life, and Costs. Ann Surg 2001;234:279-291.