What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy(Gallbladder Removal)?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is surgery to extract your gallbladder. Dr. Pinak Dasgupta makes a few small incisions on the right side of your abdomen (belly). The surgeon uses one incision to insert a laparoscope, a slim tube with a camera on the end. This demonstrates your gallbladder on a screen. The gallbladder then gets pulled through another small incision.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive than open cholecystectomy. This other form of gallbladder removal involves a larger incision.
What is the gallbladder?The gallbladder is an organ the shape and size of a small pear. It holds a substance called bile made by the liver. It keeps the bile until the body needs it to digest fatty foods.Who needs to have gallbladder removal?A laparoscopic cholecystectomy helps people with gallstones that are generating pain and infection. Gallstones are crystals that form in the gallbladder. They can block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder into your digestive system. This roadblock causes cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Gallstones can also move to other parts of the body and cause problems.Symptoms of gallstones include:- Feeling bloated.
- Fever.
- Jaundice (yellow-looking skin).
- Nausea.
- Pain in the right side of the abdomen, which may reach the back of the shoulder.
Gallbladder stones are more likely in persons who are overweight or have a genital history of gallstones. They occur due to various reasons, such as:
- The liver produces extreme amounts of cholesterol in some people. Cholesterol crystals in the bile can create and form stones as a result of this.
- In some people, it occurs due to changes in the other components of bile or because the gallbladder does not get emptied properly.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy endures about an hour or two. A surgeon will make a few tiny incisions in your stomach. The surgeon will insert thin, hollow tubes into those incisions. The surgical team will then place a laparoscope and other surgical tools into the tubes.
Your team may pump carbon dioxide into your stomach. This step increases the surgical area and makes it more comfortable to see inside. Using the special tools, the surgeon will separate the gallbladder from the rest of the body and remove it. The team will then shut the incisions with stitches, surgical clips, or surgical glue.
Benefits of gallbladder removal:Extracting the gallbladder will control the pain and treat the infection caused by gallstones. It can also stop gallstones from coming back. If gallstones are not treated, hurt and infection can get more destructive. The gallbladder may burst, which can be life-threatening.Benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?Dr. Pinak Dasgupta will determine whether open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy is right for you. The laparoscopic procedure has several benefits:
- Less pain.
- Lower risk of complications.
- Quicker recovery and return to regular activities.
- Smaller wounds and scars.
After surgery, do the following to help yourself recover:
- Avoid lifting heavy things.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat foods high in fiber to help your bowel movements (pooping).
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about taking care of your wounds and taking medications.
- Slowly increase your activity.
- Walk a little bit every day to prevent blood clots.