Procedure on the stomach are commonly performed using a laparoscopic approach. Since this approach provides a magnified view of the abdominal contents it is particularly useful for surgery of the stomach, which is the large reservoir of food located under the rib cage on the left upper part of the abdomen.
Common laparoscopic operations of the stomach include roux-en-y gastric bypass for weight loss, fundoplication for acid reflux disease, repair of hiatal hernias, Heller myotomy for achalasia, repair of perforated ulcers, and resection of tumors of the stomach.
Most patients can expect to leave the hospital within 1-2 days depending on the type of surgery, and return to daily activities within 7-10 days.