Overview
Cholecystectomy, or gallbladder surgery, is a medical procedure that removes the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver that stores bile. Most of the time, it is done to treat gallstones that are causing pain, become infected, or cause inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Laparoscopic surgery, which uses small cuts and a camera-guided system, is the most common way to do the surgery. However, open surgery may be needed in more difficult cases. During the procedure, the gallbladder is carefully cut away from the liver and bile ducts and removed. The body can function normally without the gallbladder because bile can flow directly from the liver to the intestine.
Why It's Done
When gallstones cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or other problems like infection or blockage of the bile ducts, doctors may do gallbladder surgery. Gallstones can cause serious problems, such as pancreatitis or severe inflammation, if left untreated. Surgery removes the cause of the symptoms and prevents them from worsening. It is suggested that conservative treatments either don't work or lead to problems.
What to Expect?
Patients have blood tests and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, before surgery to make sure they do not have gallstones or inflammation. You need to fast for a few hours before the procedure. General anaesthesia is used for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Small cuts are made in the abdomen, and gas is used to fill the area, making it easier to see. A laparoscope and other surgical tools are used to cut off the gallbladder and remove it. Usually, the procedure takes one to two hours. Patients are watched over in recovery after surgery and usually go home the same day or within 24 hours. Gas can cause mild shoulder or abdominal pain for a short time.
Recovery & Outlook
Most people who have laparoscopic surgery recover quickly and can resume light activities within a week. It is best to gradually return to your normal diet. Removing the gallbladder usually relieves symptoms, and long-term results are very good with few changes to daily life.