Gallbladder surgery is known as Chole-cystectomy in medical terms. Gallbladder is a small organ found on the abdomen which acts as the storehouse for bile which is essential for digestion. There are many reasons for removing the gallbladder. However it is a minor surgery done by laparoscopic method.
Causes :
Gallbladder is removed from the abdomen when there is development of gallstones blocking the passage. Gallstones can be found in the bile duct or gallbladder which may cause swelling and pain.
What is the risk involved?
Though it is minor surgery, still some amount of risk is involved. Normally gallbladder surgery is done through open cholecystecstomy method by making large incision and sending a tiny camera inside to locate the gallbladder correctly.
There may be blood clots or bile leakage after the surgery. In rare cases, there may be infection which may produce further complications. In some cases, the neighboring organs such as liver or small intestine can get injured during surgery.
Preparation :
Your doctor will analyze your health condition and unless he thoroughly gets convinced for the need of surgery, he will not proceed. You will be given special solution for flushing out the stools completely from the intestine. Hence you have to drink that solution the previous day for clearing any leftover food particles from the stomach and intestine.
You should not eat or drink anything at least 6 hours before surgery. So you should be empty-stomach the night before surgery.
In case you are taking regular medicines for certain disease, then you can ask your doctor whether you can continue taking it previous day. Some medications that induce bleeding will have to be stopped temporarily.
On the day of surgery, you will have to take warm-bath using special antibacterial soap.
You have to get prepared for the process and make arrangements for staying at hospital for one or two days. Very often you will be sent home the same day evening except in case of complications.
Gallbladder Surgery Causes :
Gallstones are formed from the bile (digestive fluid) when it gets accumulated to form small hard stones. These stones may block the passage of gallbladder and may also cause inflammation. Sometimes, they will find its way into other parts. When the gallstones go out of control (excess in number) they will block the duct and cause irritation.
Symptoms :
Normally gallstone formation will get unnoticed without any visible signs until it exceeds in number. Some of the signs of gallstone accumulation are sharp pain in the abdomen, feeling uncomfortable and sick. Some people may get special fever called jaundice that would change the skin color into yellow.
Laparoscopic Surgery :
In this process the entire gallbladder removal surgery is done through small opening (keyhole). A small incision is made through which tiny camera and other tools are sent to the abdomen and the surgeon will carefully cut open the gallbladder and using suction method the organ is removed. In this surgery, the patient will recover early and very often he will be discharged the same day.
Open cholecystectomy method, a large incision is made on the abdomen. This type of open surgery is done for special reasons and for patients with other health issues. General anesthesia is given in both the types of surgery. This procedure will warrant the patient to stay longer in the hospital until the wound heals completely. Since the incision is big, it takes long time for healing.
Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Gallbladder Surgery :
Recovery :
For closed type of surgery, the person will be sent home possibly in one or two days and he can get back to work after taking rest for 2 weeks.
In case of open surgery, it may take sufficient time. The individual will have to stay in the clinic for 5-6 days and should be in rest for at least 6 weeks before he gets normal.
Though gallbladder is removed from your body, still liver can produce the required digestive enzymes and hence your system will function normally.