Open v. Lap RNY is there really a big difference?

I could opt for open RNY and I was told that the scar would only be 4-5 inches long. Aren't there more complications with OPEN RNY than Lap? What do you think I should do?

I would go with what your surgeon wants. I had an open and had no complications. My incision is the width of my hand plus 2 fingers long. Measured it is 5.5 inches. It didn't matter to me what way Dr. Jasper did it....but then again I had prior abdomenal surgeries so didn't qualify for lap! Sue

LAP is much less painless and you do run less of a risk of infection. I have 6 scars. Added together they are less than 3 inches. I only had stiches where my drain tube was and they came out in 5 days. All of the other stiches were below the skin. I still remember the pain I had when I had my c-section. So, in my opinion, LAP is definately the way to go. Sharyn -52

LAP is supposed to be alot better, complications wise,my pcp said i should try to get the LAP but my surgeon said he wont untill i lose 35 pounds.so i guess i'm haveing open.my opinion is if they can do the lap on u then do it richard w

I had anticipated having Lap but my liver was enlarged and the surgeon had to open me. My recovery was not bad at all - can't imagine it would have been too much difference with Lap. My husband also had his open and was out of the hospital within 48 hours! Don't fear having it open. I would go with whatever your surgeon and you are most comfortable with, and feel will give you the best long-term results. Nancy

The major difference between lap vs open has to do with the abdominal wall. Smaller incisions do mean less pain and faster recovery. A much less chance of a wound infection and less chance of getting a hernia. An incision in the strong layer below what you see on the skin is what determines the percentage of complications. Usually this incision is 2-5 inches longer than the skin incision, so don't be fooled by how small that incision looks. The difference with regard to other possible complications lies with the experience of your surgeon whether lap or open, find the most experienced surgeon to perform the surgery. I perform laparoscopic surgery not because it is easier for me but better for the patient in our experience at UC there is no difference. Sincerely, Dr. Selwyn UC Center for Surgical Weight Loss. [email protected]