Gallbladder Removal Surgery

On the right side of the belly, beneath the liver, lies a little sack called the gallbladder that is about the size and shape of a pear. Its primary function is to concentrate and store the bile that the liver produces. By breaking down the lipids, it helps in the digestive process.

The surgical removal of the gallbladder is known as gallbladder surgery, sometimes also known as Cholecystectomy. It is often carried out when painful and uncomfortable gallstones, which are hard pigments, develop in the gallbladder.

Who should get their gallbladder removed?

Removal of the gallbladder may be necessary in cases where gallstones are present. Small, pebble-like deposits called gallstones accumulate in your gallbladder. The elements that produce bile are typically out of balance, which causes the stones to develop. Your pancreas or gallbladder may be harmed by gallstones, which can occasionally obstruct the passage of bile. You should get gallbladder removal surgery if it is causing medical issues, such as-

• The recurrent ache in your abdomen, particularly in your upper right side.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Jaundice

The Procedure of Gallbladder Removal Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Before the Procedure

In order to get ready for a cholecystectomy, your doctor could advise you on a couple of things. The night before your procedure, don’t eat anything. While taking your meds, you are allowed to have a glass of water, but you must wait at least four hours before eating or drinking anything. Stop using certain vitamins and drugs. Inform your doctor of all prescription drugs and dietary supplements you are taking. Most medications should continue to be taken as directed. Because they may raise your risk of bleeding, your doctor may advise you to stop using a certain medication or supplement. The majority of patients recover from Cholecystectomy the same day; however, the risk of complications might occasionally necessitate spending one or more nights in the hospital. Bring personal stuff like your toothbrush, comfortable clothing, and books or journals to keep yourself entertained in case you have to spend some time in the hospital. The first night following surgery, ask a friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you.

During the Procedure

Your surgeon will advise either of the following two surgical techniques based on your situation:

• Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic) CholecystectomyThe surgeon makes four tiny holes in your belly during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. One of the incisions is used to implant a tube with a tiny video camera into your abdomen. Your surgeon removes your gallbladder while using surgical instruments placed through additional abdominal incisions while keeping an eye on a video display in the operating room. It takes an hour or two to do a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy
  The surgeon makes a 6-inch (15-centimetre) incision in your stomach behind your ribs on the right side of your body during an open cholecystectomy. To access your liver and gallbladder, the muscle and tissue are peeled aside. The gallbladder is next taken out by your surgeon. You are then brought to a recovery area when the incision is sutured. It takes 1-2 hours for Cholecystectomy.
• Aftercare for Gallbladder Removal Surgery
  After surgery, the medical staff will keep an eye on the patient for a while. They aim to ensure that patients recover from the anaesthesia without any problems. The heart, respiration, blood pressure, and urination capacity will all be examined. The kind of surgery you undergo will determine how long it will take you to recover. You’ll need to stay in the hospital for a few days following open surgery to remove your gallbladder. Your body may need six to eight weeks to completely recover. Since laparoscopy is a less invasive procedure, you may probably resume your typical activities after two weeks.

• After a short period of time spent under observation, the patient is moved to another room.
• On the day of the gallbladder procedure, the patient is only permitted to ingest oral liquids.
• As soon as feasible following surgery, the patient is permitted to move independently.
• Depending on the clinical situation, the patient is often released the same day or the following day after the gallbladder removal procedure.
• The incision sites are covered with waterproof bandages, and the patient can take a bath whenever it is convenient.
• After the dressings have been removed, the patient is instructed to return in 5 days for a follow-up visit. A discharge statement is given to the patient along with the prescription and the time of the first follow-up visit when they are being discharged.

Diet after Surgery

In general, the patient is permitted to sip water right after the procedure and beverages after a few hours. According to the dieticians’ recommendations, the liquids might be water, clear soups, tea, coffee, or salted lassi. The next day, a regular diet is offered; there are no dietary restrictions of any kind.

Exercise or Movement after Surgery

The patient can begin moving independently as soon as the anaesthesia wears off and the patient is moved to the recovery room. In fact, most patients are urged to walk around since it significantly reduces their pain and boosts their sense of well-being. The patient can resume his or her regular activities (with great caution) whenever he or she feels comfortable after a week of recovery.

Risk & Complications

The excision of the gallbladder is regarded as a safe procedure and rarely do complications occur. But there are chances of complications, and in order to reduce these risks, the doctor will do a thorough physical examination and review your medical history prior to the operation. Gallbladder removal surgery has risks, including:

• Allergy to anaesthesia or other medicines.
• Blood clots
• Excessive bleeding
• Blood vessel damage
• Infections
• Pancreatitis
• Heart conditions, including an irregular heartbeat, a heart attack, or heart failure
• Damage to the small intestine or bile ducts.

Additionally, you might develop a condition known as “post-cholecystectomy syndrome.” It could occur if you still have any gallstones in your bile ducts or if bile somehow manages to seep into your stomach. Prior to the treatment, the surgeons at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, will go through these risks with you and allow you the chance to ask about any concerns you may have.

Gallbladder Removal Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

At Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, we have a skilled team of doctors who have successfully performed more than 1500 gallbladder procedures with minimal risk in the past several years. Our surgeons are skilled at performing complex Gallbladder removal procedures through laparoscopy or open surgery. All of our physicians at Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka are board-certified and have years of experience in treating patients.