The surgical procedure used to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy. The gallbladder is an accessory organ that sits beneath your liver. It stores the bile juice the liver produces. The gallbladder then releases the bile into your small intestines to break down fats.
Unfortunately, your gallbladder could develop problems like cancer and gallstones necessitating its removal. The most common of the two is gallstones. Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that cause severe pain, indigestion, and other discomforts. If the gallstones are many or recurrent, cholecystectomy gets rid of them permanently. The procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Here’s more information you need to know about gallbladder removal surgery.
Who Is More Likely to Have Gallbladder Removal Surgery?
Anyone can have issues that would require the removal of the gallbladder. However, women, who’ve had children, are overweight, or 40 years and above are more at risk. Genetics also increases the risk of gallbladder issues.
You Could Have Open or Laparoscopic Surgery
The traditional way to take out the gallbladder is through open cholecystectomy. The surgeon makes a large incision on your abdomen to gain access to the gallbladder. He or she must move tissue and muscle out of the way. With this treatment method, a patient needs a long time to recover. Also, the scar is quite extensive compared to that of the laparoscopic procedure.
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery involves the use of a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a special surgical instrument that has a light and a camera at its end. The surgeon uses this device, linked to a screen, to see and remove your gallbladder. The surgery only requires a few incisions on your belly area. The incisions are so small that you need only one or two stitches to close them after the surgery. With the surgery being minimally invasive, the recovery time for laparoscopic surgery is short.
You Don’t Need Dietary Alterations
If you did not eat healthy foods before, you might want to switch to healthy foods after the surgery. Otherwise, you don’t need to adjust your diet. You can eat normal food even without a gallbladder. Only be sure to keep up with all your follow-up appointments with the doctor. Let him or her know of any changes you notice in your body or around the incision.
Expected Downtime
After a laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery, the doctor may discharge you on the same day or the next day after ensuring that your vital signs are stable. He or she advises you to take it easy for the first 1-2 weeks, and after that, get back to your everyday work. But, if your job involves lifting heavy items and other strenuous work, you may need 4-6 weeks off to fully recover.
The Surgery Outcome
After the cholecystectomy, expect to enjoy relief from the discomfort and pain that comes with gallstones. The surgical solution is permanent, and the gallstones cannot recur, unlike other conservative fixes like dietary modifications.
Find out more about laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery, contact Laparoscopic Surgical Center of New York in New York, NY at (212) 879-6677.
