Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed laparoscopic surgical procedure in India. More than 95 % of gallbladder removal (for stones) can be performed laparoscopically. The medical name for this procedure is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.
WHAT IS THE GALLBLADDER?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ with main purpose of collecting and concentrating digestive liquid (bile) produced by the liver. Removal of the gallbladder is not associated with any impairment of digestion .
WHAT CAUSES GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS?
Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of gallstones: small hard masses consisting primarily of cholesterol and bile salts. These stones may block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, causing it to swell and resulting in sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and, occasionally, fever. If the gallstone blocks the common bile duct, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) can occur. Gall stones may cause pancreatitis, one of its dreaded complication.
HOW ARE THESE PROBLEMS FOUND AND TREATED?
Ultrasound is most commonly used to find gallstones. In a few more complex cases, other X-ray tests may be used to evaluate gallbladder disease. Gallstones do not go away on their own. Symptoms will eventually continue unless the gallbladder is removed. Surgical removal of the gallbladder is the time honored and safest treatment of gallbladder disease.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE LAPAROSCOPICALLY?
Rather than a five to seven inch incision, the operation requires only four small openings in the abdomen. Patients usually have minimal post-operative pain. Patients usually experience faster recovery than open gallbladder surgery patients. Most patients go home within one day and enjoy a quicker return to normal activities.
WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED?
The following includes typical events that may occur prior to laparoscopic surgery; however, since each patient and surgeon is unique, what will actually occur may be different. Preoperative preparation includes blood work, medical evaluation, chest x-ray and an ECG. After your surgeon reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, you will need to provide written consent for surgery. It is recommended that you shower the night before or morning of the operation. After midnight the night before the operation, you should not eat or drink anything except medications that your doctor has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery. Quit smoking and arrange for any help you may need at home.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OPERATION CANNOT BE PERFORMED OR COMPLETED BY THE LAPAROSCOPIC METHOD?
In a small number of patients the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. Factors that may increase the possibility of choosing or converting to the “open” procedure may include obesity, a history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue, inability to visualize organs because of visceral adhesions / small intestine/ colonic adhesions.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER GALLBLADDER SURGERY?
Gallbladder removal is a major abdominal operation and a certain amount of postoperative pain occurs. Nausea and vomiting are not uncommon. Once liquids or a diet is tolerated, patients can be discharged. Activity is dependent on how the patient feels. Walking is encouraged. Patients will probably be able to return to normal activities within a week’s time, including driving, walking up stairs, light lifting and working. Most patients who have a laparoscopic gallbladder removal go home from the hospital the day after surgery. Most patients can return to work within seven days following the laparoscopic procedure depending on the nature of your job. Patients with administrative or desk jobs usually return in a few days while those involved in manual labor or heavy lifting may require a bit more time. Patients undergoing the open procedure usually resume normal activities in four to six weeks. Make an appointment with your surgeon within 2 weeks following your operation.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR
Be sure to call your physician or surgeon if you develop any of the following: Persistent fever over 101 degrees F (39 C) ,bleeding ,increasing abdominal swelling ,pain that is not relieved by your medications ,persistent nausea or vomiting ,chills ,persistent cough or shortness of breath ,purulent drainage (pus) from any incision ,redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger ,you are unable to eat or drink liquids.