What is Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to remove the diseased or inflamed gallbladder.
The gallbladder is an organ present under the liver in the shape and size of a small pear. It stores a digestive juice called bile, a liquid produced in the liver. Bile helps in the digestion process by breaking the fats.
If the gallbladder stops functioning properly then hardened deposits are formed which is called a gallstone. The stones grow from a small grain-like shape to the size of a ball. The doctor will advise for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for the removal of gallstones.
Laparoscopic surgery for gallstone is one of the most commonly performed surgery at Medicover hospitals.
Why is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy done?
Laparoscopic Keyhole Surgery is mostly performed for the treatment of gallstones. The doctor will recommend the procedure if a person has:
- Gallstones in the gallbladder
- Gallstones in the bile duct
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Large gallbladder polyps
- Pancreas inflammation due to gallstones
Symptoms Indicating the Need for Gallbladder Removal
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fatigue Vomiting
- Pain in central and right abdomen
- Biliary dyskinesia
- Fatigue
- Back pain between shoulder blades
Complications of cholecystectomy
Every procedure includes some common serious complication, however laparoscopic cholecystectomy complications are relatively uncommon. Before the treatment, the doctor will do a thorough physical examination and discuss about the medical history. This will help in the reduction of these complications.
Some common risks of laparoscopic gallbladder removal include:
- Leakage of bile in the body
- Hernia
- Numbness in the surgical area
- Infection in the urinary tract
- Scars due to incisions
- Abdominal infection or inflammation
- Bile ducts, liver or intestinal injury
- Bleeding
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure
Before the Procedure
- The doctor will give a brief explanation of the procedure.
- The patient will be asked to go through some tests such as abdominal ultrasound, blood test and urinalysis.
- Inform the doctor if the patient is taking any kind of medications or nutritional supplements.
- Avoid eating or drinking atleast 8 hours before the surgery.
- Talk with the doctor if you are allergic or sensitive to any medications.
During the Procedure
- An IV will be inserted in the arm or hand, so the doctor will give medications and fluids through the vein.
- The patient will be kept under general anaesthesia, which means they'll be asleep during the procedure
- A tube is placed in the throat which is connected to a mechanical ventilator to help the patient in breathing. Also, the anesthesiologist will monitor the heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level throughout the procedure.
- The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and uses these incisions to guide a tube with a small camera into the abdomen.
- The gallbladder is removed through incisions.
- After the removal of the gallbladder, the doctor examines for any further problems in the bile duct.
- After the procedure, the area of the incision is stitched.
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy or biventricular pacing is used in people with heart failure and dysfunctional electrical systems. It activates the right and left ventricles to make the heartbeat more efficient.
After the procedure
After the treatment, the patient will be brought to a recovery room where they will be monitored. The length of the recovery will be determined by the type of surgery and the type of anaesthesia. Throughout the procedure, the vital signs are closely monitored.
What are the precautions after gallbladder removal?
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat foods rich in fiber
- Take care of the wounds
- Take the prescribed medications on time
- Walk every day to prevent blood clots
- Avoid lifting heavy items
- Increase the level of physical activity gradually, as advised by the doctor
