What is a laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Introduction

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a laparoscopic surgical procedure by which the gallbladder of a person is removed by making several small cuts on the abdomen, instead of a large single one. The main step of this procedure involves the entering of a laparoscope (an instrument with a tiny camera attached to its end) in the abdomen in order to visualize the gall bladder properly, after which it will be safely removed as required.

When do you need a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Mainly indicated when you are diagnosed with stones in the gallbladder, an internal organ in the abdominal cavity which plays the function of storage of bile (a fluid made by liver, which helps in the digestion of fats in the foods we eat)

Bile Gallstones, formed due to different causes, tend to obstruct the flow of bile in the digestive system causing various signs and symptoms including bloating, nausea, vomiting and pain in the abdomen, shoulder, back or chest. Gallstones can also obstruct the ducts through which bile flows from the liver or gallbladder to the intestine or infect the entire or part of the organ. If a similar blockage takes place in the common bile duct, such patients can present with a yellow discoloration of eyes and mucous membrane a condition known as Jaundice. It can also give rise to severe irritation or inflammation of the pancreas, worsening the condition.

How will the surgery be carried out?

You will be made unconscious with general anesthesia which will relax the abdominal muscles and eliminate pain. Thereafter, Carbon dioxide gas is inflated in to the abdominal cavity which will help in creating a space to expose the gallbladder properly.

A laparoscope will be inserted, through a tiny incision made in the naval to visualize the organ, on a computerized monitor.

Several other special thin instruments will be inserted through multiple tiny holes made on the abdomen, and your gallbladder will be removed safely along with stones.

What are the risks?

To the minimal invasive nature of laparoscopic intervention, severe complications are unlikely compared to those of open surgeries. However, bleeding, infections, injury to Common bile duct, leakage of bile and shoulder tip pain (due to insufflation of CO2gas) are still possible.

Call your doctor, IF you have,

Severe pain, redness, swelling, foul smelling or draining at the surgical siter
Fever more than 101 degreesr
Recovery from Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

Most patients will be able to go home on the same day or the following, depending on the healing progress. Normally, you will be discharged once drinking and eating can be initiated without any pain and able to walk un-aided.

Within about one week, you will be fully recovered and will be able to engage in daily activities without any obstacle.