Gallbladder removal

Definition

Gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder if it is inflamed or obstructed, if gallstones are causing pancreatitis, or if cancer is suspected.

Description

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is done while the patient is under general anesthesia, unconscious and pain-free. It is most commonly performed through 4 small incisions, using a small video camera called a laparoscope.

In laparoscopic surgery, the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to provide more space for the surgeon to work. The laparoscope is inserted through small incisions. The vessels and duct going to the gallbladder (cystic duct and artery) are identified, clipped, and cut. The gallbladder is removed and the incisions are closed.

In complicated cases, an open cholecystectomy may be performed. A larger incision is made just below the ribs on the right side of the abdomen. As with laparoscopic surgery, the vessels and ducts going to the gallbladder are identified, clipped, and cut. The gallbladder is removed. The incisions are closed.

Laparoscopic surgery often has a lower rate of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic results than the open procedure.

Indications

Gallbladder removal is usually done to treat the following conditions:

• Gallbladder disease
  • Gallstones
  • Infection or inflammation (cholecystitis)
  • Gallbladder cancer
• Biliary dyskinesia (abnormal gallbladder function)

Risks

The risks for any anesthesia include:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to the common bile duct

Expectations after surgery

Most patients tolerate the procedure well, recover rapidly, and return to normal health without the gallbladder.

Convalescence

For open gallbladder removal, you will generally need about 2 weeks for recovery.

For laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, your hospital stay is likely to be shorter, and you may be home within 24 hours. Your recovery time is likely to be shorter as well.

Illustrations

Cholecystitis, CT scan

Cholecystitis, cholangiogram

Cholecystolithiasis

Gallbladder

Gallbladder removal - series

Page Content:

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