Gastric Bypass Surgery Options - Open Incision vs. Laparoscopic

BY: Craig Thompson

Depending on the degree of your obesity and your doctor’s preferences, two different surgical options are generally available if you are considering Gastric Bypass Surgery.

The open incision method requires an 8″ to 10″ incision starting just below the breastbone and ending right above the navel. This opens the entire abdomen area. The surgery is then performed in much the same manner as any other open surgical procedure.

The laparoscopic method results in five or six 1/4″ to 1/2″ incisions in various parts of the abdomen. The surgeon then inserts a laparoscope, which is a fiber optic tube connected to a video camera, into each incision one at a time. The surgeon uses special instruments to perform the procedure inside of the abdomen using the magnified view provided by the camera as a guide.

Regardless of whether you choose open or laparoscopic surgery, expect to spend 2 - 3 days in the hospital. The real advantage to the laparoscopic procedure is the recovery time spent at home. While a laparoscopic patient can usually return to work in a matter of two weeks or so, patients who opt for open weight loss surgery typically require a four to six week convalescent period.

Advantages of Laparoscopy

In addition to the reduced recovery time, laparoscopic surgery provides better protection to the immune system because the body is not opened up and exposed to environmental influences found in the operating room.

Patients undergoing the laparoscopic procedure also usually report lower levels of pain during the recovery period.

Disadvantages of Laparoscopy

Because the laparoscopic approach usually requires more time in actual surgery, there is a greater risk of developing blood clots or surgically-related infections. The extended surgery time has also been shown to affect people who suffer from sleep apnea and heart disease.

Determining factors between Open and Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery

When making a determination between Open or Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Surgery options, your surgeon will consider your degree of obesity as determined by your Body Mass Index as well as your general medical history, current medications, and the type and number of previous abdominal surgeries that have been performed on you.

Previous surgical history is particularly important, because there may be a buildup of excessive scar tissue, which could make the laparoscopic procedure difficult or impossible to perform.

Weighing the Cost Options between different Gastric Bypass Surgery procedures

Expect to pay between $25,000 to $40,000 for Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery, with the laparoscopic procedure being at the higher end of the scale.

Costs are typically higher for the laparoscopic surgical approach because of the increased time spent by the surgical team performing the procedure as well as the costs associated with the one-time use of the surgical instruments.

The increased costs are often offset by the quicker recovery time, which reduces lost income by allowing the patient to return to work sooner.

Summary

Ultimately, the gastric bypass surgery procedure that is performed on you is going to be decided by your surgeon. If you have a marked preference, make sure that you let him or her know as early in the consultation process as possible. That way, you and your surgeon can work together and try to accommodate your wishes.