LAPAROSCOPIC GALLBLADDER SURGERY FOR GALLSTONES Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) removes the gallbladder and gallstones through several small incisions in the abdomen. It is not possible to remove the stones without removing the Gallbladder because disease lies in the gallbladder itself (unlike kidney stones). The surgeon inflates your abdomen with air or carbon dioxide in order to see clearly. Than he inserts a lighted scope attached to a video camera (laparoscope) into one incision near the belly button. The surgeon then uses a video monitor as a guide while inserting surgical instruments into the other incisions to remove your gallbladder. Before the surgeon removes the gallbladder, you may have a special X-ray procedure called intraoperative cholangiography, which shows the anatomy of the bile ducts. You will need general anesthesia for this surgery, which usually last about 1 hour or less. After surgery, bile flows from the liver (where it is made) through the common bile duct and into the small intestine. Because the gallbladder has been removed, the body can no longer store bile between meals. In most people, this has little or no effect on digestion. What To Expect After Surgery: You may have gallbladder surgery as an outpatient, or you may stay 1 or 2 days in the hospital. After surgery you may have: ** Pain in your shoulder and belly that lasts 24 to 72 hours (from gas used to inflate the abdomen during surgery). It may last as long as a week. ** Widespread muscle aches from anesthesia. ** Minor inflammation or drainage at the surgical wound sites. Most people can return to their normal activities in 7 to 10 days. People who have laparoscopic gallbladder surgery are sore for about a week. But in 2 to 3 weeks they have much less discomfort than people who have open surgery. No special diets or other precautions are needed after surgery.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Oct 2014 20:04:38 +0000
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