Gallbladder Removal Surgery
What does gallbladder removal entail?
The removal of the gallbladder, also referred to as a cholecystectomy, is done in order to cure specific disorders.
Who can gain from having their gallbladder removed?
For patients with gallbladder disease, gallstones, gallbladder cancer, infection, inflammation, or biliary dyskinesia (abnormal gallbladder contraction occasionally linked to other conditions), gallbladder removal may be a possibility.
Procedure
There are two different procedures that can be used to remove the gallbladder:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy – This procedure is now the one that doctors choose to use to remove gallbladders. A laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera attached, is used to perform the procedure and allow the surgeon to look inside the abdomen through a few small incisions (often four) made in the abdomen. One of the incisions is used to separate the gallbladder from the remainder of the abdomen and remove it. This method of gallbladder removal leads to quicker recovery and fewer complications because it does not involve abdominal muscle incisions. There are times when this kind of gallbladder removal is done through the belly button, leaving less scars and incisions.
- Few individuals have open cholecystectomy procedures because they require extensive abdominal surgery through a wide incision (about 4-6 inches long) made immediately below the ribs in the abdomen. When performing gallbladder removal with a laparoscope is challenging (for instance, in obese individuals or those who may have had prior abdominal surgery resulting in extensive scar tissue), surgeons may choose to do this technique. Through the incision, the gallbladder and any gallstones that may have entered the bile ducts are removed. The wound is then stitched up.
Recuperation time
The recovery time following gallbladder removal will vary depending on the technique used. While those who have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy can typically resume normal activities after one week (avoiding heavy exercise for several weeks), those who have an open cholecystectomy may need to take up to six weeks off of work.
Risks
Risks of gallbladder removal vary depending on the procedure used, but can include wound infection, blood clotting, harm to other organs, discomfort, bleeding, bloating, diarrhea, numbness, bleeding, and breathing issues.
