Laparoscopic Gallbladder Cholesystectomy

Why Laparoscopic Gallbladder Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy can relieve the pain and discomfort caused due to gallstones. Conservative treatments, such as dietary modifications may not stop gallstones from recurring. 

In most cases, a cholecystectomy will prevent gallstones from coming back.

What is the Pre surgery Procedure for Laparoscopic Gallbladder Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia, and therefore the patient will have no realization of the procedure being performed. 

Once the anesthesia takes over, the surgeon performs the cholecystectomy either in a laparoscopic or an open procedure.

What are the procedures of Laparoscopic Gallbladder Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is a common surgery and you can go home the same day, post-surgery. The laparoscopic procedure carries minimal complications. Depending on the individual situation, a surgeon will recommend either of the two surgical approaches:

Minimally Invasive (laparoscopic) Cholecystectomy

In a Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes four small incisions in your abdomen.

 A tiny video camera is inserted through a tube into your abdomen, from one of the incisions. The camera is connected to a video monitor, and the entire surgery is performed while seeing the visuals on this monitor. 

Through the other incisions, surgical tools are inserted in your abdomen and used to remove the gallbladder. Post removal of the gallbladder, the surgeon might put the patient through imaging tests like X-ray or Ultrasound. This is done if the surgeon suspects the possibility of other problems in the bile duct.

The incisions are sutured after the procedure and the patient is shifted to the recovery room. The entire Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy might take one to two hours. 

A Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy might not be ideal for every patient. There are cases where the surgery begins in a Laparoscopic procedure but depending on the complication, a traditional open surgery needs to be performed.

Traditional (open) Cholecystectomy

In open cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes a 6-inch incision in the patient's abdomen below your ribs, on the right side. Here, the muscle and tissue are pulled back to reveal the liver and gallbladder. 

At this stage, the surgeon then removes the gallbladder, the incision is then sutured, and the patient is taken to a recovery area. An open cholecystectomy also takes one or two hours to perform.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy 

Patients will be able to go home the same day post-surgery. In some cases, the patients might have to stay back in the hospital overnight, under observation.

The patient can resume eating a normal diet post-surgery and be sent home once they can walk unaided. Once at home, the patient might require a week or two for a full recovery.

Open cholecystectomy

 A patient might have to spend two or three days in the hospital recovering under observation. Once the patient returns home, it may take a further four to six weeks to fully recover.

A patient might not experience digestive problems after cholecystectomy as a gallbladder isn't essential for healthy digestion. Some people may experience loose stools occasionally post the procedure, and it generally resolves over time. 

If you experience any change in bowel habits or new symptoms post the procedure bring it to the notice of your doctor.

Your recovery time and resuming a normal routine lifestyle all depend on the type of procedure performed and your health and condition. 

Laparoscopic procedures are quick healing and therefore lesser time is required to get back to work and routine. Whereas, open Cholecystectomy procedure takes a longer time to recover. 

What is the Post-surgery care to be taken?

Post-surgery the patient is shifted to the recovery room, and as the anesthesia wears off, the patient is shifted to the hospital room for a full recovery. 

However, the patient's recovery depends on the procedure performed-

What are the risks associated with Laparoscopic Gallbladder Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy procedures can lead to small risk or complications like:

• Bile leak

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Injury to nearby structures, such as the bile duct, liver, and small intestine during the procedure.

• Risks associated with general anesthesia, like blood clots and pneumonia.