About Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
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Cholecystectomy
A cholecystectomy, also called gallbladder removal, is a procedure where the gallbladder is removed surgically. The gallbladder is situated below the liver and is pear-shaped. The function of the gallbladder is to collect, as well as store bile that is produced by the liver.Cholecystectomy is a very common procedure and is often initiated due to the presence of certain conditions, such as gallstones and cholecystitis, ac ondition where the gallbladder becomes inflamed.
Types Of Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
A Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a newer type of surgical procedure that can be used to remove a patient’s gallbladder and is less invasive than the traditional surgical option. With a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, four incisions are made in the patient’s abdomen – the incisions are very small. A small video camera is then placed through an incision into the abdomen of the patient, which will help guide the surgeon during the removal of the gallbladder.
Open Cholecystectomy
Open Cholecystectomy is a more traditional procedure where a relatively large incision is made in the area where the gallbladder resides. The incision is usually approximately six inches in length and is made below the ribs, on the right side of the body. Tissues on the inside of the patient’s body are pulled backward in order to allow the surgeon to gain access to the gallbladder, which is then removed.
Duration of procedure/surgery : Both Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Open Cholecystectomy tend to take approximately one to two hours to complete, given that no complications develop during the procedure.
Days admitted : In most cases, a patient will be allowed to leave the hospital and go home on the same day as the surgical procedure was conducted. In some cases, the patient may be asked to stay overnight in order for the surgeon to monitor the patient. Should any complications develop, the patient may need to stay in the hospital for a longer period of time.
Anesthesia : Patients who need to undergo a Cholecystectomy procedure will be provided with general anesthesia. The patient will not be conscious during the procedure. A tube will be inserted into the patient’s th
Recovery : Patients are taken to a recovery room following the procedure for a relatively short period of time. Here, the patient will wake up, and the surgeon will ensure that no immediate complications are present. The patient may then be allowed to go home after they have fully recovered, or be admitted to the hospital to stay overnight, depending on the findings of the surgeon.
Risks : It is rare for patients to experience complications due to a Cholecystectomy. Complications and risks that may occur in some patients include:
• Infection
• Heart-related complications
• Nearby structures, such as the liver, bile duct, and the small intestine may be injured
• Pneumonia
• Pancreatitis
• Blood clots
• Bleeding
• Bile leak
After care : Patients are advised to have a friend or a family member with them following the procedure, who will be requested to drive the patient to their home. The patient will also be advised to have someone with them for the first night in order to monitor them and identify the development of any potential complications.
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