Laparoscopic surgery also referred to as minimally invasive surgery describes the performance of surgical procedures with the assistance of a video camera and several thin instruments. During the surgical procedure, small incisions of up to half an inch are made and plastic tubes called ports are placed through these incisions. The camera and the instruments are then introduced through the ports which allow access to the inside of the patient.

Benefits of minimally invasive or laparoscopic procedures are:

When the procedures are performed in a minimally invasive fashion compared to standard open surgery.

Obese patients lose more weight with bariatric surgery than with medical weight-loss treatment. There are several types of bariatric surgeries available presently. The decision regarding which procedure should be based on individual patient and surgeon factors.