Question:
What i the benefit of Lap RNY verses open RNY?

I know the healing time is shorter for the Lap RNY, but I have always heard that the post-op complications were greater. Is this true? Is a person more likely to have a leak after a Lap procedure than with open RNY?    — Jan S. (posted on October 7, 2002)

October 7, 2002
With a EXPERIENCED surgeon LAP is easier on the body with faster recoveries because theres less cutting of the body and thus less trama with a equal leak rate. LAP minimizes the chance of hernias too. 30 % of opens develop a hernia requiring a follow up operation because the muscle wall is cut. The risk of LAP incisional hernias is near zero. <P> Put lap vs open in the library search this subject is one of the most popular.
   — bob-haller

October 7, 2002
hi there. my surgeon only does open. with lap youll have less heal time and smaller scars, less chance for hernia.with open ive heard the surgeon has a better view for him or herself if they do it open so there is less chance of a leak. good luck to you.
   — carrie M.

October 7, 2002
I had my surgery lap, and have been so grateful for that fact because my recovery has been SO easy. I haven't had any complications at all, but I'm only in my third week. I think the key is, how experienced is your surgeon in lap surgery? I've also heard the claim that the doctor can see what's going on easier with open, but then I've heard the claim that lap surgeons can actually see better because of the scopes they use. If your surgeon is experienced and comfortable with lap surgery, I really don't think the risk of complication is any higher, and you avoid the risk of hernia later - and that's quite common with open. Open also presents more risks for wound infection. I think some surgeons just don't feel comfortable with lap surgery and in that case it's probably better to let them operate in the way they're used to or else find a surgeon who's done lots of laprascopic surgery. My surgeon has, and he says his most commom complication has been scar tissue around the stoma that requires a dilation. He has not had problems with leaks. If at all possible, find a surgeon who's done lots of laprascopic surgery and has a good reputation for it and I don't think you'll have any problems.
   — sandsonik

October 7, 2002
Sandra is correct when she stated that they can actually see better in a LAP. There is a camera on one of the instruments that they insert. The image is viewed on a screen in the OR. It is magnified, therefore the view is better.
   — Cheri M.

October 7, 2002
I am 7 weeks post op lap RNY. I had the choice between the 2 types, open and lap and chose lap. It is less invasive, easier to recover from,shorter hospital stay. I have read that 30 percent of all opens develop incisional hernias (2 of the 4 people I know who have had open do, in fact, have hernias!)Also, I read on the message boards all the time about people's incision draining and opening up and needing repacked...they have all had open!! I have 5 tiny incisions on my tummy. I would rather have that ANY DAY over an 8 to 10 inch incision down the center of my stomach! My doc says the cameras he uses gives him a 3 D view of what he is working on. The only good argument I have heard for an open surgery is he can hold the parts in his hands and see everything better. That may be true but , with a 3 D pic, the lap doc is seeing things just fine!! I wish you well with whatever choice you go with! Peace, Stacy Cavicchia (lap RNY 8/14/02 minus 50 pounds!)
   — Stacy C.

October 8, 2002
I had a Lap RNY on June 26, 2002. All seemed to go well for the first few weeks. On August 2nd I went to the emergency ward with extreme abdominal pain. I was re-admitted to the hospital with a hernia in my small intestine. They did what is equal to another RNY. This time it was open. I was off work for 2 1/2 months due to all the complications. I have lost 69 pounds and would do it all again.
   — Ellen S.

October 8, 2002
Hi! I've been wrestling with the lap vs. open decision for a couple months and decided on lap. And here's why: I asked my surgeon which surgery was better, he said "If you ask me, the lap surgery is better, if you asked Dr. Halverson (one of the other doctors in the practice) he'd say open . . . and we're both right. You want your surgeon doing the surgery he's most comfortable and confident with." Can't argue that! I'm doing lap, but only because my doctor prefers the lap, and is very experienced! (And experience is what I think is most important!) I think the best thing is to get into an honest discussion with your doctor about HIS/HER strengths and weaknesses! Best of luck!
   — Hilary C.