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ADVANTAGES OF LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT LAPAROSCOPIC GALL BLADDER SURGERY
CAUSE: The reason for formation of gallstones is still unknown in most cases.
SYMPTOMS: Usually pain in the Right Upper Quadrant (Right side-upper half) of the
abdomen. Symptoms of complications include fever and jaundice. Gallstones may also
be present without symptoms and they may be detected on ultrasound scanning.
COMPLICATIONS: Infection can cause pus formation in and around the gall
bladder and this pus may spread, causing a serious condition called peritonitis.
Stones may move out of the gall bladder and block the bile duct and cause Jaundice or
Pancreatitis.
DIAGNOSIS: Gallstones are easily diagnosed by the use of ultrasound scanning.
PREVENTION: There is no known method of preventing formation of stones in the Gall bladder
In most instances gallstones cannot be dissolved by medical treatment .
The Gall Bladder must be removed along with the stones in it.
LITHOTRIPSY: Using ultrasonic shock waves to break stones is not a currently
accepted form of treatment for Gall Bladder stones.
SURGERY: The most effective cure for gall bladder stones is surgery. The classic "old" operation required a big cut, but nowadays most people are treated by Laparoscopic Surgery.
This is currently the treatment of choice for Gall Bladder stones.
The Gall Bladder and the stones are removed through small punctures. It is technically possible
to remove the stones alone - but this would leave the problem gall bladder
behind - which could continue to cause problems or form stones. Removing a
diseased gall bladder does not cause any disability. Under normal
circumstances, one would not feel the absence of the gall bladder.
(Removal of the Gall Bladder via key-hole size punctures)
This operation is performed by specially trained surgeons. Special
equipment is used to look inside the abdominal cavity ("stomach") with a video camera.
The Gall Bladder with its stones are removed through small punctures.
A general anaesthetic is required and one has to stay in hospital for about 72
hours.
Laparoscopic surgery for gall bladder stones cannot be done in all cases. Some
people, whose stones have moved out of the gall bladder into the bile duct may
need either an open operation or an additional procedure known as an ERCP.
In addition, it is not technically possible to do a laparoscopic operation at all in some people because of severe inflammation or adhesions between organs. Such patients mat require an open operation.
ADVANTAGES OF LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY:
1. Much less painful, only 3 to 4 stitches are needed.
2. Only 2 to 3 days stay in hospital.
3. The patient can eat and drink the soon after operation. There usually no
need for an intravenous drip to be administered for 2 or 3 days as used to be
the case after "open" cholecystectomy - the name used for the operation of
removal of a gall bladder through a big cut.
4. Normal life can be resumed in about a week.
5. Minimal blood loss at surgery.
COMMON QUESTIONS
ABOUT LAPAROSCOPIC GALL BLADDER SURGERY
DOESN'T THE GALL BLADDER HAVE ANY FUNCTION THAT IT CAN BE REMOVED WITHOUT AFFECTING THE BODY IN ANY WAY?
The job of the Gall bladder is to store and concentrate bile. When stones
form, gall bladder function is impaired, and though stones can be removed
without taking out the gall bladder, the remaining diseased gall bladder can
cause further stone formation and symptoms.
WILL I HAVE SEVERE PAIN? No. This is the great advantage of the Laparoscopic
operation.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN HOSPITAL? Only 2 or 3 days.
WILL I NEED A BLOOD TRANSFUSION? No
WHAT WILL I BE ALLOWED TO EAT AFTER OPERATION? You can eat and drink normally.
HOW WILL I BE AFTER OPERATION? After the initial recovery period, which may
take about 1 week, you will be able to live normally.
WHAT ABOUT MY WORK? Most people can start normal work about 1 week after operation.
CAN I HAVE CHILDREN? Yes. The operation does not affect childbirth.
CAN GALLSTONES RECUR? No. In fact, studies show that the formation of stones
is less likely after removal of the gall bladder
WILL I BE FULLY NORMAL AFTER MY GALL BLADDER IS REMOVED? Yes.
Completely normal. You will feel no side effects.
CAN MY GALL BLADDER STONES BE DISSOLVED BY SOME MEDICINE? No. The only effective cure is to have the Gall Bladder removed. This is best done by Laparoscopic surgery.
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