Bariatric Laparoscopic Surgery in Tijuana Mexico
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive type of surgery that allows doctors to perform operations using very small incisions. Laparoscopes, or small cameras, are threaded through the incisions to display video of the internal abdomen on a monitor, allowing the doctor to perform surgery without leaving a large scar.
Compared to traditional open surgeries, laparoscopic surgery results in less trauma to the treated area. As a result, patients can recover from surgery much faster and with a lower risk of side effects. At LIMARP® International Center of Excellence for Obesity, located in Tijuana Mx, Dr. Liza Pompa can perform a number of bariatric procedures by way of advanced laparoscopic techniques to minimize your risks and to lay the groundwork for successful treatment and fast recovery.
Laparoscopic Surgery vs. Traditional Surgery
In order for the doctor to see and maneuver freely, traditional surgeries require large incisions. In the case of bariatric surgery, an incision can be anywhere from three to 12 inches long. A laparoscopic bariatric procedure, in contrast, requires several incisions of less than half an inch.
The laparoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these small incisions and the surgeon uses them assisted by a special monitor. Because these surgeries are more technically challenging, they require additional skills and training.
The Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery has become the preferred method of performing many general and bariatric procedures. The smaller incisions result in:
- Minimized blood loss during surgery: While some blood loss is unavoidable, smaller incisions can substantially reduce the amount.
- Less pain after surgery: The larger an incision is, the more inflammation you can expect and the greater the associated discomfort. Consequently, most patients report much less pain after a laparoscopic procedure than a traditional one.
- Shorter hospital stay: Because there is less tissue to repair, your body will recover from surgery much faster. As a result, you typically do not have to stay in the hospital for more than a few days after a laparoscopic procedure.
- Smaller and less visible surgical scars: Aesthetically speaking, large scars can be a frustrating trade-off for weight loss. Although scars are an inevitable part of surgery, laparoscopic techniques can minimize them so they do not undermine your results.
- Faster return to work and normal activity levels: While a traditional surgery may require several weeks off your feet, a laparoscopic surgery can reduce this downtime significantly.
- Reduced risk of infection: The smaller the incisions, the less access bacteria have and the less risk there is of infection after your surgery.
Dr. Pompa has extensive training in advanced laparoscopic techniques so that you can take advantage of a safer, more comfortable treatment.
Do All Patients Qualify for Laparoscopic Surgery?
For the majority of patients (99%), Dr. Pompa can perform bariatric surgery using laparoscopic techniques. However, an open procedure may be a better option for you if you have a history of abdominal surgery that has left dense scar tissue.
In rare cases, Dr. Pompa may decide to switch to an open procedure during the operation. This conversion may be necessary if bleeding problems or other issues make it difficult to properly view the organs. This is a calculated decision to protect patient safety. As a designated Center of Excellence surgeon, Dr. Pompa has the skills and experience to perform the best type of bariatric procedure for your particular case and needs.
Laparoscopic Bariatric Procedures
Our team at LIMARP can perform most bariatric procedure through laparoscopic techniques, including:
During your initial consultation, Dr. Pompa can determine which procedure is best suited to your weight loss goals and whether it can be performed by laparoscopy.
What Happens during a Laparoscopic Bariatric Procedure?
As with all of our bariatric surgeries, our anesthesiologist will first administer the general anesthesia best suited to your case, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout your treatment.
Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Pompa will:
- Create tiny incisions between ¼ and ½ inch long.
- Thread narrow tube-like instruments called cannulas through the incision.
- Expand your abdomen using carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to create work space and improve visibility.
- Insert the laparoscopic tools through the cannulas
- Perform the procedure using a magnified view of the stomach and internal organs
- Remove the CO2 gas
- Close the incisions
With these advanced techniques, Dr. Pompa can perform your entire procedure using only three to five small incisions.
After Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery
Since this technique is less invasive than open surgery, most patients only remain in our clinic for about one to three days after their procedure. You should be able to get out of bed the day of your surgery and begin light walking. Our team will provide pain medication as needed.
We will do a contrast study of your stomach the following day to determine if you are ready to eat. If no leakage or blockage is found, you can begin having ice, popsicles and liquids, always in compliance with your post-surgical eating plan.
In general, patients experience only mild pain after laparoscopic surgery. As with any surgery, it is important to follow all instructions provided by our team during the healing process. You should be able to return to most of your normal activities within two weeks.
Possible Complications
The potential for complications after laparoscopic bariatric surgery is very low, less than 1%. Some possible complications include infection, leakage, blood clots and intestinal obstruction. Carefully following all post-operative instructions helps reduce your risk of complications.
After any type of bariatric surgery, it is crucial that you stick with your diet plan and adhere to all portion restrictions to avoid issues such as food intolerance, nutritional deficiencies and dumping Syndrome. At LIMARP®, we offer an integrative bariatric program that includes nutritional advice and postoperative care to ensure the best possible results.
Are You Ready for Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery?
If you have tried to lose significant weight through dietary changes, but have been unsuccessful, a laparoscopic bariatric surgery might be the right weight loss solution for you. Speak with a member of the LIMARP team today by calling toll-free from the US at (619) 270-8823 or by sending us a message online.