Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

What is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)?

Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Gallbladder removal surgery is usually performed with minimally invasive techniques and the medical name for this procedure is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy or Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal.

What is the Gallbladder?

• The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that rests beneath the right side of the liver.
• Its main purpose is to collect and concentrate a digestive liquid (bile) produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder after eating, aiding digestion. Bile travels through narrow tubular channels (bile ducts) into the small intestine.
• Removal of the gallbladder is not associated with any impairment of digestion in most people.

What Causes Gallbladder Problems?

• Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of gallstones which are usually small and hard, consisting primarily of cholesterol and bile salts that form in the gallbladder or in the bile duct.
• It is uncertain why some people form gallstones but risk factors include being female, prior pregnancy, age over 40 years and being overweight. Gallstones are also more common as you get older and some people may have a family history of gallstones.
• There is no known means to prevent gallstones.
• These stones may block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, causing it to swell and resulting in sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and, occasionally, fever.
• If the gallstone blocks the common bile duct, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) can occur.

Who is it for?

Although there are many advantages to laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), the procedure may not be appropriate for some patients who have severe complicated gallbladder disease or previous upper abdominal surgery. A thorough medical evaluation by your personal physician, in consultation with a surgeon trained in laparoscopy, can determine if laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is an appropriate procedure for you.

How is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy performed?

The operation is performed under General Anesthesia.

First the abdominal wall is pierced with a special needle. This needle is then used to inflate the abdominal cavity with Carbon dioxide gas to help in creating a cushion of gas between the abdominal wall and abdominal organs. A telescope is then inserted into the abdominal cavity via a port and abdominal organs are examined carefully. Following this, other ports are inserted into the abdominal wall. These ports are used for instruments for operating on the gall bladder. After the gall bladder containing the stones is free from all its attachments it is pulled out through one of the ports in the abdominal wall.

You should be aware from the outset that whilst the majority of gall bladders can be removed by this method in certain situations e.g. stuck gall bladder, difficult anatomy etc. the Surgeon may decide to convert the operation to an open operation for your safety.

What are the benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

The major benefits to you are that you will have no large wounds on the abdomen and therefore no problems associated with wounds like infections and hernias etc. As there are no large wounds the amount of pain is minimal and therefore return to normal activity very rapid. Generally the Surgeon will allow to start having fluids the day following surgery and full diet thereafter and probable discharge in 48-72 hrs after surgery.

How long before I can go back to work and become fully active?

This depends on how fit you were before the operation. After going home we recommend about a week’s rest.