What can you expect from a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery)?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minutely invasive surgery used to remove an infected gallbladder. During an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes a 5–8-inch-long cut on the right side of the abdomen, underneath the ribs, to extract the gallbladder. A laparoscope, which is a narrow tube with a camera at the end, is inserted through one incision. On a monitor, the gallbladder is visible. The surgeon next uses microscopic surgical tools to remove the gallbladder while using the images on the camera as guidance.

Why should one go for gallbladder removal?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be used to diagnose gallstones that cause pain and infections. Gallstones are stones that grow in the gallbladder. They keep the bile from exiting the gallbladder and entering your digestive tract. This causes cholecystitis or gallbladder inflammation. Gallstones can potentially cause problems for the whole body.

Gallstones are solid residues that grow in the gallbladder over time. Unless there is a considerable risk of complications, gallbladder surgery is usually not suggested for those with no symptoms.

Gallstones may cause the following symptoms:

• Bloating
• Fever
• Indigestion
• Vomiting and nausea
• Jaundice

It can also cause abdominal pain on the right side of the body, which can spread to the back and shoulder.

What is the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure?

A gastrointestinal surgeon will usually perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy while using general anaesthesia. The procedure may take up to two hours. Thanks to general anaesthesia, you'll be sedated and pain-free during the treatment. Your healthcare experts will slip a tube down your throat to assist you in breathing once you're out. Another IV-line tube will be inserted into your arm to supply fluids and drugs.

Preparation for the surgery: The healthcare team will do a series of tests before the procedure, including:

• Blood tests and imaging tests will be performed, such as a CT scan, HIDA scan, abdominal ultrasound, blood work, and a urine test.
• For roughly 8 hours before the operation, the patient must not eat or drink anything.
• The patient should stop taking blood thinners a few weeks before the operation, as per the surgeon's advice.
• Before taking any regular prescription drugs, the patient must consult their doctor and disclose any allergies.
• Antibiotics are often provided to the patient before surgery, and pain management choices are offered during and after the operation.

What are the surgical procedures?

The patient lies on their back during the procedure. An anesthesiologist administers a general anaesthetic and monitors the patient's blood pressure, pulse, and heart rate throughout the operation.

The surgeon inflates the stomach with carbon dioxide to make it more visible. On the right side of the abdomen, the surgeon will make small cuts in the skin beneath the ribs. The surgeon will introduce the thin tubes into the incisions.

After that, the surgical team will insert a laparoscope and other surgical tools. The gallbladder will be separated from the rest of the body and removed by the surgeon using special tools. Stitches, surgical clips or surgical glue will close the incisions. If the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is complicated, the surgeon may choose to do an open cholecystectomy instead. A wider incision is required for this surgery. The gallbladder is sliced and removed through one of the incisions. The wounds are stitched, any bleeding is stopped, and the laparoscope is removed.

What constitutes post-procedure care?

The anaesthesiologist wakes up the patient and delivers pain medication.

The patient is watched for four to six hours in the recovery room. They want to make sure that they don't have any problems waking up from anaesthesia. They'll examine their heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and urination ability. If everything is in order, the patient could be released the same day or the next day.

Conclusion

The gallbladder is removed through a less invasive procedure known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It can be helpful when gallstones cause inflammation, pain or infection. Most patients may go home the same day after the procedure, involving only a few small incisions, and continue their daily activities. Gallstones cause pain and infections, which can be treated through gallbladder removal. It may also help prevent the growth of new gallstones.

Choose a world-class medical facility for this procedure and request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals. Call 18605002244 to book an appointment.