Laparoscopic
Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The surgery is done under general anesthesia. Once you’re under, the surgeon would use the laparoscope and small surgical instruments to reach the gall bladder, cut it and suture the opening, and remove the gall bladder through the small opening in your stomach. The surgery usually takes under 2 hours, and most people can go home after just a one-day hospital stay. What to Do After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Most people are concerned about their digestion following the removal of the gall bladder, but the effects on digestion are usually minimal since the gall bladder is not an essential organ in the digestive process. Some loose stool is expected for a few days but should resolve on its own. For the few weeks after the surgery, you are advised to:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat foods rich in fiber to help bowel movement.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity Walk regularly to stop blood clots from forming.
- You can eat, drink and drive normally usually 2 days after the surgery.
- You can return to work as usual within a week.
- Some pain is expected at the incision sites.
- This is easily controlled with painkillers whichwill be prescribed before you leave the hospital.
Frequently asked questions
The gall bladder needs to be removed when it contains stones that cause pain and inflammation, since they cannot be removed by conservative means such as ultrasonic waves. Other gallbladder problems include inflammation and polyps, or if the patients immunity is compromised such as in cases of Diabetes and autoimmune disease. When you have gallstones, you would likely feel pain in the right side of your abdomen (which may radiate to your shoulder) as well as a constant feeling of nausea and bloating. Fever and jaundice are also common findings. Diagnosis is made through recognizing the symptoms, as well as blood work and imaging such as x-ray and ultrasounds.