Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive operation in which a damaged or inflamed gallbladder is removed using small incisions and specialized equipment.
The gallbladder is a tiny organ in the right upper belly, just behind the liver. Bile, a liquid produced by the liver, is stored here. Bile is secreted by the gallbladder into the small intestine, assisting in the breakdown as well as the absorption of dietary fats.
Why is a laparoscopic gallbladder removal performed?
Gallstones and the difficulties they induce are the most common reasons for gallbladder removal.
Cholelithiasis is the presence of gallstones. Gallstones occur when chemicals in the bile solidify inside the gallbladder. They might be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
Because the surgeon makes smaller incisions, this surgery is favored over open surgery. Infection, bleeding, and recuperation time are all reduced with smaller incisions.
Operation
The laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is done the following way:
- Three to four tiny cuts are made in the stomach.
- One of the cuts is used to introduce the laparoscope.
- Through the additional cuts, other medical devices are put.
After that, the gallbladder is removed with the use of a laparoscope and other equipment.
During the procedure, a cholangiogram x-ray may be performed.
The surgeon may be unable to properly remove the gallbladder using a laparoscope in some cases. In this situation, the surgeon will perform open surgery, which involves a wider cut.
Risks
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery has a relatively low overall risk. The most serious possible complications include:
- Infection of an incision.
- Internal bleeding.
- Common bile duct injury.
- Injury to the small intestine
- Risks of general anesthesia.
Other uncommon complications may include:
- Gallstones have remained in the belly cavity for a long time.
- Bile that has leaked into the abdomen
- Injury to the primary blood vessel that transports blood from the heart to the liver in the abdomen. This is unusual.
- The common bile duct is being pushed by a gallstone.
- The liver is being cut.
More surgery may be required to correct these issues.
Some people experience continuing stomach symptoms after gallbladder surgery, such as discomfort, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Although eating-related symptoms are modest and uncommon following laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, may develop diarrhea. While recovering, take care of the incision wounds. This includes properly washing them. The majority of folks can shower the day after surgery.
