Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy is a surgery that removes your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located beneath the liver. It is located on the upper right side of your stomach or abdomen. Bile, a digestive juice produced by the liver, is stored in the gallbladder. The most common reason for a cholecystectomy is to treat gallstones and the complications that they cause. It is a standard surgical procedure with a low risk of complications. In most cases, you will be able to leave the hospital the same day as your cholecystectomy.Who Performs Cholecystectomy?It is performed by surgeons who specialize in biliary disease and surgeons who specialize in other areas.Types of CholecystectomyThe gallbladder can be removed using one of two methods: surgical removal or laparoscopic removal.Open method: One cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made on the upper right side of your belly in this method. The surgeon locates and removes the gallbladder through the incision.Laparoscopic method: 3 to 4 tiny incisions are used in this method. One of the incisions is used to remove the gallbladder. It employs a long, thin tube known as a laparoscope. The tube contains a small video camera as well as surgical tools. Through the incisions, the tube, camera, and tools are inserted. While looking at a TV monitor, the surgeon performs the surgery.Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a less invasive procedure. That is, it makes tiny incisions in your abdomen. There is less blood loss. Recovery time is usually less than that of open surgery. In some cases, the laparoscope may reveal that your gallbladder is infected. It may also indicate other issues. The surgeon may then have to perform open surgery to remove your gallbladder safely.Preparations Before CholecystectomyYour surgeon will walk you through the surgical procedure. You may ask them any questions.You may be asked to sign a consent form authorizing the procedure. If anything is unclear, read the form carefully and ask questions.Your medical history will be questioned by your doctor. You may also be subjected to a physical examination. This is done to make sure you're in good health before the procedure. Blood tests and other diagnostic tests may be required as well.Before the procedure, you must fast for 8 hours. This frequently entails abstaining from food and drink after midnight.If you are pregnant, notify your doctor.Tell the doctor if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medications, latex, tape, or anesthesia medications (local and general).Inform your doctor about all of the medications you are taking. This includes both OTC and prescription medications. Vitamins, herbs, and other supplements are also included.If you have a history of bleeding disorders, inform your provider. Inform your provider if you take blood-thinning medications, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other blood-clotting medications.How long does cholecystectomy take?The gallbladder is removed during open gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) through a single large cut (incision) in the abdomen. The surgery will take 1 to 2 hours and will require general anesthesia. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes one to two hours to complete.Risks Associated with CholecystectomyA cholecystectomy has a low risk of complications, which include:Bile leakageBleedingStructures, such as the bile duct, liver, and small intestine, can be injured.General anesthesia risks include blood clots and pneumonia.The likelihood of complications is determined by your overall health and the reason for your cholecystectomy.
