Is Laparoscopic Surgery Right for You?
Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery is the first step in an important life decision. Many patients then have questions about open versus laparoscopic bariatric surgery and which type can offer the best outcome. The doctors working within the Tijuana Bariatric Center network prefer the less invasive laparoscopic technique due to its benefits, such as reduced recovery time. Undergoing bariatric surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, not only allows you to work with highly trained bariatric doctors trained in advanced techniques. Our team also provides access to safe, effective care at a fraction of the cost of surgery in the United States.*
Laparoscopic surgery can help you get back to your normal routine more quickly than traditional procedures.
What is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery offers patients all of the benefits of traditional procedures while minimizing or eliminating many of the risks.
Traditional surgical methods, or open surgery, is performed through a single large opening. During bariatric surgery, this incision is made in the abdomen. In contrast, the laparoscopic surgical technique uses several very minimal incisions. These are precisely made in strategic locations and access to the abdomen and necessary organs is made possible using small tools.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery
While there are many doctors who are not trained in laparoscopic procedures, the doctors within the Tijuana Bariatric Center network use this minimally invasive technique to perform each operation.
Reduced Time in Surgery
In a study comparing the two techniques for gastric bypass surgery, the traditional procedures ran about a quarter of an hour longer. This is a significant drawback because the longer a patient is in surgery, the higher the risk for complications.
Minimized Risk of Complications
Undergoing bariatric surgery using laparoscopic techniques can decrease patients' risk of complications during as well as after the procedure. The use of smaller tools reduces trauma caused to surrounding tissue during surgery. Open bariatric surgery patients have been found to experience an increased risk for complications such as:
- Pulmonary issues
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Anastomotic leakage
- Infection
Patients who underwent open gastric bypass also experienced a higher rate of complications a month after surgery due to hernias in the abdominal wall. During recovery, open bariatric surgery patients are generally at a higher risk for:
- Bone loss
- Muscle atrophy
- Urinary retention
- Respiratory infection
Months or even years after treatment, there is a higher revision rate for open bariatric surgery.
Smoother Recovery
Due to the smaller incisions, laparoscopic surgery produces reduced scarring which is a very important benefit to many patients. Additionally, patients can typically return to work sooner, after about two weeks instead of four to six, while achieving comparable weight loss results.*
Determining Your Candidacy
While the preferred provider network of doctors strives to utilize minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, not all patients are candidates for laparoscopic surgeries. This may include those with substantial intra-abdominal scarring from previous procedures, which could compromise visibility to certain structures. Your doctor will discuss your options for weight loss surgery during a consultation so together, you can choose the best method for your needs.
Safely Achieve Your Goals
Laparoscopic procedures offer bariatric patients all of the benefits of traditional surgery while minimizing or eliminating many of the risks. Learn more about what safe, affordable bariatric surgery can do for you by contacting Tijuana Bariatric Center today.*
