Innovative, less invasive surgical techniques, including single-incision laparoscopic procedures, customized for your condition and designed to deliver faster recovery times, reduced pain, and optimal surgical outcomes with minimal scarring.
Dr. Nguyen specializes in a comprehensive range of advanced laparoscopic surgery procedures designed to address various abdominal and pelvic conditions with minimal disruption to your body. Each minimally invasive surgical approach utilizes tiny incisions and specialized robotic instruments to reduce post-operative pain, minimize scarring, and promote significantly faster healing compared to traditional open surgery.
Explore our laparoscopic surgery procedure options below to learn which minimally invasive approach might be best suited for your specific medical condition and personal recovery goals in the Bay Area of California.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure removes the inflamed appendix through small incisions in the abdomen, preventing potentially life-threatening complications of acute appendicitis while ensuring rapid recovery.
What happens during a laparoscopic appendectomy?
Using several tiny incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each), your surgeon inserts a high-definition camera and specialized laparoscopic instruments to locate, carefully detach, and remove the inflamed appendix. The surgical site is then thoroughly cleaned, and the incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches. The entire minimally invasive procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Appendectomy:
Faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery (most patients return home within 24 hours)
Significantly less post-operative pain and reduced need for pain medication
Minimal scarring and lower risk of wound infection
Quicker return to normal activities and work
Same-day or overnight hospital stay in most cases
Superior cosmetic results with tiny, barely visible scars
Laparoscopic appendectomy offers an efficient, safe solution for appendicitis with minimal disruption to your body, allowing San Jose area patients to recover quickly and return to daily activities with minimal discomfort.
This minimally invasive anti-reflux surgery wraps the upper portion of the stomach around the lower esophagus, creating a stronger barrier that prevents stomach acid from flowing upward and permanently eliminates chronic heartburn and GERD symptoms.
What happens during laparoscopic GERD surgery?
Using five small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to access the upper stomach (fundus) and lower esophagus. The fundus is carefully wrapped around the esophagus and secured with sutures, creating a one-way valve effect that prevents acid reflux. The entire laparoscopic procedure typically takes 1-2 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication:
Significant reduction or complete elimination of acid reflux symptoms
Decreased dependence on acid-reducing medications like proton pump inhibitors
Reduced risk of esophageal damage and complications of untreated GERD
Improvement in related symptoms like chronic cough, hoarseness, and asthma
Minimal scarring and faster recovery than traditional open surgery
Long-lasting results for most patients (typically 10+ years of symptom relief)
Ability to eat and sleep comfortably without fear of acid reflux
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication offers a durable surgical solution for severe GERD that doesn't respond to medication, allowing San Jose patients to enjoy meals without fear of painful reflux while protecting long-term esophageal health.
This minimally invasive emergency surgical procedure closes a hole in the stomach wall caused by a perforated gastric ulcer, preventing potentially life-threatening abdominal infection and restoring normal digestive function.
What happens during laparoscopic ulcer repair surgery?
Using several small incisions (typically 0.5-1.5 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to locate the perforation. The hole is meticulously closed with sutures, the abdominal cavity is thoroughly cleaned of any leaked gastric contents, and the area may be reinforced with tissue patches. The entire emergency procedure typically takes 1-3 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Perforated Ulcer Repair:
Life-saving intervention that prevents peritonitis and sepsis
Less post-operative pain compared to traditional open surgery
Reduced risk of wound infection and ventral hernias
Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay in most cases
Minimized scarring and tissue trauma
Opportunity to diagnose and address underlying ulcer causes during the same procedure
Reduced risk of complications compared to open surgical repair
Laparoscopic perforated ulcer repair provides crucial intervention for a serious medical emergency while minimizing additional trauma to the body, allowing for more comfortable and efficient recovery from this acute condition.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure corrects the protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, alleviating symptoms and preventing serious complications of hiatal hernias.
What happens during laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery?
Using three to five small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to access the diaphragm and esophageal hiatus. The stomach is carefully repositioned into the abdominal cavity, the diaphragmatic opening is narrowed with sutures, and often a partial fundoplication is performed for additional anti-reflux support. The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair:
Significant reduction in heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain
Improved swallowing and reduced sensation of food sticking
Decreased risk of strangulation and other serious complications
Minimized post-operative discomfort compared to open surgery
Faster return to normal activities (typically within 2-3 weeks)
Long-lasting anatomical correction for most patients
Reduced risk of GERD symptoms returning
Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair offers an effective solution for persistent symptoms and structural abnormalities, allowing San Jose patients to eat comfortably and sleep without the discomfort of stomach contents entering the chest cavity.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure removes diseased or damaged portions of the large intestine while preserving maximum bowel function, effectively treating conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
What happens during laparoscopic colon surgery?
Using four to five small incisions (typically 0.5-1.5 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to identify the affected section of colon. The diseased segment is carefully separated from surrounding tissues, removed through a slightly enlarged incision, and the healthy ends are reconnected to restore intestinal continuity. The entire procedure typically takes 2-4 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Colon Resection:
Targeted removal of diseased tissue while preserving healthy bowel function
Significantly less post-operative pain than traditional open surgery
Reduced risk of wound infection and incisional hernias
Faster return of bowel function and earlier resumption of normal diet
Shorter hospital stay (typically 2-4 days versus 5-7 for open surgery)
Quicker return to normal activities (typically within 2-4 weeks)
Improved cosmetic results with minimal scarring
Laparoscopic colon resection offers effective treatment for serious colorectal conditions with minimal body trauma, allowing patients to experience improved quality of life with smaller scars and faster overall recovery.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure reconnects the bowel after a temporary colostomy, eliminating the need for an external ostomy bag and restoring normal bowel function through the natural pathway.
What happens during laparoscopic colostomy reversal surgery?
Using several small incisions (typically 0.5-1.5 cm each) plus an incision around the stoma site, your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to access the disconnected portions of the intestine. The surgeon carefully frees the bowel ends from surrounding tissue, removes the stoma, and precisely reconnects the intestinal sections to reestablish continuity. The entire procedure typically takes 2-3 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Colostomy Reversal:
Elimination of the external stoma bag and associated care requirements
Return to normal bowel movements through the natural pathway
Improved body image and quality of life for most patients
Reduced risk of stoma-related complications like prolapse or stenosis
Less post-operative pain compared to traditional open reversal
Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay (typically 3-5 days)
Freedom from ostomy management and supplies
Laparoscopic colostomy reversal offers patients the opportunity to regain normal bowel function and freedom from ostomy management, allowing a return to activities and routines without the physical and psychological impact of a stoma.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure corrects a weakness or opening in the abdominal wall that allows tissues or organs to protrude, preventing complications and relieving discomfort associated with ventral hernias.
What happens during laparoscopic ventral hernia surgery?
Using three to five small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to access the hernia site. The protruding tissue is carefully returned to the abdominal cavity, and a synthetic or biological mesh is precisely positioned and secured to reinforce the weakened area. The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair:
Effective repair with reduced risk of hernia recurrence
Significantly less post-operative pain than traditional open repair
Minimal scarring and improved cosmetic outcome
Reduced risk of wound infection and other complications
Shorter hospital stay (often same-day discharge or overnight)
Faster return to normal activities (typically within 1-3 weeks)
Stronger, more durable repair with mesh reinforcement
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair provides a strong, lasting solution for abdominal wall defects while minimizing surgical trauma, allowing San Jose patients to resume daily activities without the pain, unsightly bulge, or potential dangers of an unrepaired hernia.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure corrects a weakness or opening at the navel that allows tissue to protrude, restoring normal abdominal wall integrity and eliminating the bulge at the belly button.
What happens during laparoscopic umbilical hernia surgery?
Using two to three small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to access the umbilical defect. The protruding tissue is carefully returned to the abdominal cavity, and a synthetic or biological mesh is precisely positioned and secured to reinforce the weakened area. The entire procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Umbilical Hernia Repair:
Complete resolution of the umbilical bulge with improved appearance
Reduced risk of complications like strangulation or bowel obstruction
Minimal scarring with most incisions hidden within the navel
Less post-operative pain compared to traditional open repair
Quick recovery with same-day discharge for most patients
Rapid return to normal activities (typically within 1-2 weeks)
Natural-looking belly button appearance after healing
Laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair offers an effective, elegant solution for this common condition, preserving the natural appearance of the belly button while providing durable reinforcement to prevent future recurrence.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure corrects a weakness or bulge that develops at the site of a previous surgical incision, preventing complications and restoring structural strength to the abdominal wall.
What happens during laparoscopic incisional hernia surgery?
Using three to five small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each) positioned away from the hernia site, your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to access the defect. The protruding tissue is carefully returned to the abdominal cavity, and a specially selected synthetic or biological mesh is precisely positioned and secured to bridge and reinforce the weakened area. The entire procedure typically takes 1-3 hours under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair:
Durable repair with significantly reduced risk of recurrence
Minimal disruption to previously compromised tissues
Less post-operative pain compared to traditional open repair
Reduced risk of wound complications in previously scarred areas
Shorter hospital stay (typically 1-2 days versus 3-5 for open repair)
Quicker return to normal activities (typically within 2-4 weeks)
Avoids large incisions through compromised tissue
Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair offers a reliable solution for this challenging complication of prior surgery, providing strong reinforcement while avoiding the additional trauma of a large reoperation through compromised tissue.
This minimally invasive surgical procedure corrects a weakness in the groin area that allows abdominal tissue to protrude, eliminating pain and preventing potential complications of inguinal hernias.
What happens during laparoscopic inguinal hernia surgery?
Using three small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to access the inguinal region. The hernia sac is carefully identified and reduced back into the abdominal cavity, and a lightweight mesh is precisely positioned and secured to reinforce the weakened area. The entire procedure typically takes 45-90 minutes under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair:
Complete resolution of groin bulge and associated discomfort
Significantly less post-operative pain than traditional open repair
Reduced risk of chronic pain compared to conventional techniques
Minimal scarring with cosmetically superior results
Quicker return to normal activities (typically within 1-2 weeks)
Lower risk of recurrence with proper mesh reinforcement
Faster return to work and exercise activities
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair provides an effective solution for this common condition with minimal body trauma, allowing San Jose patients to resume work, exercise, and daily activities without the limitations and risks of an unrepaired hernia.
This minimally invasive exploratory surgical procedure allows direct visualization of abdominal and pelvic organs to diagnose conditions that may not appear on imaging studies, identifying the source of unexplained pain or complications from internal scarring.
What happens during diagnostic laparoscopy?
Using two to three small incisions (typically 0.5-1 cm each), your surgeon inserts a camera and specialized instruments to thoroughly examine the abdominal and pelvic cavities. All organs are systematically inspected for abnormalities, and any discovered adhesions (internal scar tissue) can often be released during the same procedure. The entire process typically takes 30-90 minutes under general anesthesia.
Benefits of Diagnostic Laparoscopy:
Accurate diagnosis of conditions missed by other testing methods
Direct visualization providing definitive answers for unexplained symptoms
Ability to treat many conditions during the same procedure
Minimal post-procedure discomfort compared to exploratory open surgery
Quick recovery with same-day discharge for most patients
Valuable information to guide further treatment decisions
Avoids the need for larger exploratory surgery
Diagnostic laparoscopy offers both answers and potential relief when other diagnostic methods have failed to explain chronic or acute abdominal pain, providing a clear path forward with minimal disruption to daily life.
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Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgical Excellence
All our laparoscopic surgery procedures are performed by our highly trained surgical team using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced minimally invasive techniques. We're committed to providing you with the most effective, minimally invasive surgical options because we believe you deserve:
Smaller incisions and reduced scarring with superior cosmetic results
Less pain and decreased need for post-operative pain medication
Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery time
Lower risk of infection and surgical complications
Reduced blood loss during surgery and faster healing
Quicker return to normal daily activities and work
Improved cosmetic results with minimal visible scarring
Single-incision laparoscopic options when appropriate
Dr. Richard Nguyen is a board-certified General Surgeon with over 20 years of surgical expertise and fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery from Vanderbilt University. Since establishing his laparoscopic surgery practice in San Jose in 2007, he has pioneered innovative surgical techniques, including single-incision laparoscopic procedures and mastery of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.
Beyond his acclaimed bariatric surgery practice, he has earned national recognition for his specialized expertise in both non-mesh and advanced mesh hernia repairs, while also serving as a critical approach surgeon for anterior spine access procedures. Dr. Nguyen combines technical precision with personalized care across multiple premier facilities throughout the South Bay Area.
Over 10,000+ successful minimally invasive surgeries performed with exceptional patient outcomes
I would refer Doctor Nguyen to anyone, in fact I have and they have all had the same experience as me. He is truly great. I owe all my success to Doctor Nguyen and I thank him for all the work he has done for me and continues to do so. He is extremely amazing, and I am very grateful to him.
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At 50, I now have a life I had only dreamed of a year before. Dr. Nguyen's surgical expertise and minimally invasive approach allowed me to recover quickly and return to the activities I love. The small incisions healed beautifully, and I was back to work much sooner than I expected.
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Dr. Nguyen has changed my life completely. I feel so much better and I also feel like I've got control of my life again. The laparoscopic surgery was exactly what I needed - minimal pain, quick recovery, and excellent results. I can't thank him enough.
Why Choose Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Faster Recovery Times: Laparoscopic surgery techniques result in significantly shorter recovery periods compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients return to normal activities within 1-3 weeks, depending on the specific procedure.
Minimal Scarring: Small incisions (typically 0.5-1.5 cm) result in barely visible scars that fade over time, providing superior cosmetic results compared to large open surgical incisions.
Reduced Pain: The minimally invasive approach causes less tissue trauma, resulting in significantly less post-operative pain and reduced need for pain medications.
Lower Complication Rates: Studies consistently show that laparoscopic surgery has lower rates of infection, bleeding, and other surgical complications compared to open procedures.
Shorter Hospital Stays: Many laparoscopic procedures allow for same-day discharge or overnight stays, compared to several days required for equivalent open surgeries.
Precision and Accuracy: High-definition cameras and specialized instruments allow surgeons to perform procedures with enhanced precision and visualization.
Comprehensive Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Dr. Nguyen uses advanced laparoscopic surgery techniques to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Digestive Disorders:
Appendicitis (laparoscopic appendectomy)
GERD and acid reflux (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication)
Perforated ulcers (emergency laparoscopic repair)
Diverticulitis (laparoscopic colon resection)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Hernia Conditions:
Inguinal hernias (groin hernias)
Ventral hernias (abdominal wall hernias)
Umbilical hernias (belly button hernias)
Incisional hernias (post-surgical hernias)
Hiatal hernias (diaphragmatic hernias)
Colorectal Conditions:
Colon cancer (laparoscopic colon resection)
Colostomy reversal procedures
Bowel obstruction
Rectal prolapse
Diagnostic Procedures:
Unexplained abdominal pain
Pelvic pain evaluation
Adhesion lysis (scar tissue removal)
Staging procedures for cancer
Your Journey to Minimally Invasive Surgery
Pre-Operative Consultation: During your initial consultation, Dr. Nguyen will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and discuss the most appropriate laparoscopic approach for your condition. We'll also review pre-operative instructions and answer any questions you may have.
Day of Surgery: Most laparoscopic procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries or with overnight observation. You'll receive detailed instructions about eating, drinking, and medication guidelines before your procedure.
Recovery Expectations: Recovery from laparoscopic surgery is typically faster and more comfortable than open surgery. Most patients experience:
Minimal pain managed with over-the-counter medications
Small bandages over tiny incisions
Ability to shower within 24-48 hours
Return to light activities within a few days
Full recovery within 1-3 weeks depending on the procedure
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.