Question:
What is the difference in a gastroplasty and a procedure done laproscopicly?

I want the procedure where the doctors rerout your intestines and I'd like it to be done laproscopicly because I heard that recovery time is quicker is this true?    — michellemark2764 (posted on August 2, 2001)

August 2, 2001
Go to the "Gallery" page on obesityhelp.com then click on "Definition of Terms" in the left-hand column. That should help.
   — Cindy H.

August 2, 2001
Gastroplasty is generally defined as a repair or revision or the stomach, and is a term usually associated with RNY surgery. Gastroplasty can be performed both laparascopically or with a traditional "open" surgery. "Open" surgeries usually require a 7-10" incision, and lap surgeries will involve 5-6 small incision, approximately 1/2", scattered across the upper abdomen. Lap surgeries generally have a significantly shorter recovery period, as well as less post-op discomfort. It is very important to remember however, that both procedures are considered to be "major surgeries" with all the standard risks. Not every patient will qualify for laparascopic surgery, and it will be up to the surgeon to determine if a patient meets his/her criteria. Do as much research as possible, obtain the most accurate information available, and try to find a surgeon with experience and expertise in the field of WLS....then relax and enjoy the journey to a whole new life :-) Good luck!
   — Diana T.

August 2, 2001
Information I have found defines gastroplasty as stomach stapling. That mainly refers to the procedures like the vbg. If a doctor says he does gastroplasty, probe further and find out if he also reroutes the intestines. Laproscopic surgery is the approach in which these surgeries is performed. Open surgeries are done by making an incision from just below the breast bone and sometimes all the way down the stomach to below the belly button, sometimes above it (depends on the surgeon.) The Laparoscopic approach means making 5 to 6, 1 to 2 inch incisions on different areas of the trunk to allow the trocars to be placed inside the body after it has been inflated with carbon dioxide. These trocars have cameras and lights and the tools with which to staple the stomach and transect the intestine for the rny. I suggest you do your research and decide on your own what surgery you want and what approach you wish to take, open or lap. Keep in mind though, research your prospective surgeon's experience level with the lap approach as inexperienced surgeons sometimes have a higher percentage of leaks where the intestine is joined to the stomach pouch. Just research, see more than one surgeon if you can ask post-op patients about the doctors you are interested in, then make your choice. Good luck!
   — Diana M.