Table Of Contents
- What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
- How is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy performed?
- Minimal Invasive (laparoscopic) Cholecystectomy
- Open Cholecystectomy
- What are the advantages of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
- How to care after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
- When should you seek medical attention after gallbladder surgery?
- Final thoughts
What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, also known as gallbladder removal, is a minimal surgical procedure. It is to ease the pain and complications of gallstones that cause pain, inflammation, and infection. Few small incisions are made, and you can even go home the same day and get back to your daily activities.
If you are symptoms such as:
- Feeling bloated
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Pain in the right abdominal region reaching up to the back,
then, consult your doctor immediately.
How is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy performed?
As per your health situation, your doctor will recommend either of the surgical methods.
Minimal Invasive (laparoscopic) Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a non-invasive procedure where the surgeon will make small incisions below your abdomen to insert a slim tube with a camera that shows your gallbladder on the monitor screen. You will be administered general anesthesia. So you won’t be aware of the procedure.
They will pump carbon dioxide into your abdomen. This is to enlarge the surgical area and make way for the surgeon to get a good view of the internal organs. The surgeon will remove the gallbladder through another incision. Next, the doctor will conduct an imaging test such as an X-ray or ultrasound to check for gallstones or any other issues in your bile duct. Then they will seal the incisions using surgical stitches, clips, and glue.
It usually takes an hour or two to complete Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.
Open Cholecystectomy
At an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon a 6” incision in your lower abdomen. The muscle and tissues are pulled back to expose the liver and gallbladder. The surgeon will then remove the gallbladder. The incision is sewed back on, and you will be taken to the recovery area. The surgery will take 1-2 hours.
What are the advantages of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Removing the gallbladder can eliminate your pain and treat any infections due to gallstones. It can also prevent gallstones from recurring. If not treated, the pain and infection can become severe and even burst, which can be fatal.
Your medical practitioner will be able to decide if you require open or Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy carries many benefits such as:
- Minimal pain
- Reduced risk of complications
- Quick recovery
- Resuming daily activities easily
- Smaller wounds/scars
How to care after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, you can usually go back home the same day or stay the night at the hospital. This is up to the surgeon.
Post-surgery make sure you give yourself time to heal and recover.
- Do not lift heavy objects
- Drink lots of water
- Follow your medical practitioner’s instructions to take care of your wounds.
- Eat fiber-rich foods for healthy bowel movements
- Have medications properly.
- Gradually increase your daily activities.
When should you seek medical attention after gallbladder surgery?
Call your medical practitioner if you have any of the following:
- Chills
- Severe pain or abdominal cramps
- High fever (more than 101 degrees F)
- No bowel movement for three days
- Vomiting
- Yellow skin
- Problems in the incision region such as bleeding, redness, swelling, or any foul odor
Final thoughts
Gallstones can be painful, but with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, you will prevent its reappearance. Many people completely recover from the minimally invasive procedure within a few weeks. Visit the surgeon post-surgery for a checkup and let them know if you experience any problems.
