Laparoscopic surgery is a surgery technique specifically developed mainly after 1990 which allows surgery to be undertaken through tiny skin incisions rather than long wounds. The advantages generally are:
Much smaller scars
Less post surgery pain
An overall better outcome and recovery
Shorter hospital stay
Less chance of wound infection
For example, rather than undertake a gastric bypass operation through a 20-30cm incision extending from your chest bone down to below your belly button, the same operation can done through 4-5 keyhole incisions, around 0.5-1cm each. Special “ports” are placed through these keyhole incisions and allow special surgery instruments (about the size of a chopstick) to be passed down the port and to hold, dissect, staple etc.. Inside the abdomen. The surgeon views the images on a television monitor.
Whilst this approach should be considered for all types of operations, some operations may still be best done “open” and will be judged by your surgeon. An open honest appraisal of this decision should be provided by your surgeon with your best interests at heart.
It took many surgeons many decades to refine the equipment, tools and techniques to make this surgery the preferred approach it is today. This requires special surgery training and also ongoing frequent performance to maintain skills. You should choose a surgeon who can offer this experience and skill.