Gallbladder

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Overview

Overview
A cholecystectomy (koh-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-me) is a surgery to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits just below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder collects and stores a digestive fluid made in the liver called bile.

A cholecystectomy is a common surgery. It is a safe operation and usually carries only a small risk of complications. In most people this surgery is done using small incisions, and you can go home the same day of your cholecystectomy.
A cholecystectomy is usually done by inserting a tiny video camera and special tools through several small incisions to see inside your abdomen and remove the gallbladder. This is called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
In some cases, one large incision may be used to remove the gallbladder. This is called an open cholecystectomy and requires a longer hospital stay and recovery.ick here to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Common Symptoms

* Pain in the right upper abdomen, especially after greasy, or fried foods
* Nausea and bloating
* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin) can occur if the gallstones clog the drainage of bile

Treatment

Gallbladder removal is THE MOST COMMON performed surgery worldwide, and has become a very safe and routine surgery.
Minimally invasive robotic or laparoscopic surgery is typically offered, whereby the gallbladder is removed via 3 or 4 small keyhole incisions over the abdomen.
The surgery typically takes under 45 minutes of general anesthesia (you are asleep).

Benefits and Risks

BENEFITS – Gallbladder removal will relieve pain, remove infection, and prevent gallstones from occuring again.

COMPLICATIONS are very rare. Possible risks include – bile leak, bile duct injury, bleeding, infection, nerve injury, hernia at the incision, anesthesia complication, injury of other internal organs, and even death.

THE RISK OF NOT HAVING AN OPERATION – The risks of worsening pain, infection, rupture of the gallbladder, blood clots, and even death.

Before and After Surgery

BEFORE SURGERY – You will need to stop any weight-loss medications (2 weeks beforehand), blood thinners (2 to 5 days beforehand), and stop any food or drink for at least 8 hours prior to surgery. You will need a designated and trusted driver to take you home.

AFTER SURGERY – Most patients use 1 to 3 days of prescription pain medication after surgery. Most patients take 3-5 days off work, as it is not safe to drive while taking prescription pain medications (as it can make you sleepy at the wheel, and wears off similarly to drinking alcohol).

WORK RESTRICTIONS – Two weeks activity restrictions – no heavy lifting over 15 pounds (equivalent to a gallon of milk in each arm). No flying in an airplane during these two weeks.

CALL YOUR SURGEON IF you have fever over 100.5, you become jaundiced (skin turns yellow), severe uncontrollable pain, severe vomiting, constipation over 3 days, or severe diarrhea.

Further Reading and References

The American College of Surgeons has an excellent in depth reading reference. Please follow this link.

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