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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy or LAP chole surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder using small incisions, tiny cameras, and special instruments. Over the last few decades, it has largely replaced traditional open LAP cholecystectomy and become the gold standard treatment for symptomatic gallbladder-related issues like gallstones, inflammation, and infection.
Synopsis
- What Is Gallbladder & Why Should It Be Removed?
- Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gallbladder Removal
- Preparing for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- What Happens During the Surgery?
- What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
- Recovery and Post-operative Care After Gallbladder Surgery
- Importance of Follow-Up Appointments
- Considering Alternative Treatment Options
What Is Gallbladder & Why Should It Be Removed?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped digestive organ located just below the liver. It stores and concentrates bile - a digestive fluid the liver produces that emulsifies fats.
When gallstones or inflammation block the gallbladder, bile cannot empty properly. This causes a buildup of pressure and pain. Infected bile can also leak into the bloodstream. If left untreated, it can lead to serious and even fatal complications like pancreatitis or sepsis.
Removing the gallbladder is often the best way to prevent recurrence of symptoms. Fortunately, most people can digest fats normally after a cholecystectomy since the liver produces bile directly into the small intestine.
Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems
Common symptoms that indicate gallbladder problems are:
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Abdominal pain in the upper right side
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Bloating & indigestion
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Fever
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gallbladder Removal
The laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure for gall bladder removal involves:
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Small 0.5 to 1 cm incisions on the abdomen.
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Insertion of a thin-lit telescope (laparoscope) through one incision.
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Visual guidance to insert specialized surgical instruments through other incisions.
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Detaching the gallbladder from its attachments to the liver bed.
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Removal of gallbladder through an incision.
This approach avoids the need for a large abdominal incision. This translates to less pain, quicker recovery, shorter hospital stays, and minimal scarring.
Preparing for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
There are preoperative steps before undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This helps to reduce risk and optimize safety. Your doctor will do a physical exam, ask for your medical history, and conduct blood tests to assess your health status. He may also order imaging tests like ultrasound to visualise the gallbladder.
What Happens During the Surgery?
In the operating room:
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General anaesthesia is administered.
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The abdomen is gently inflated with CO2 gas for better visualisation.
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Additional ports may be placed if needed.
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The gallbladder is carefully separated from the liver bed using cautery.
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Cystic artery and duct are isolated and clipped
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The gallbladder is removed through the umbilical port
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Incisions are washed and closed with absorbable suture
What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Compared to traditional open surgery, the minimally invasive approach offers:
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Tiny incisions for less pain and scarring.
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Clear visualisation of anatomy.
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Less blood loss and need for transfusion.
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Shortened hospitalisation.
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Quick return to normal activities.
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Reduced risk of wound infection.
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Better cosmetic results.
Consult the Best Laparoscopic Surgeon in Bangalore if you need gallbladder surgery.
Recovery and Post-operative Care After Gallbladder Surgery
With the laparoscopic technique, recovery is much faster than open surgery, with most people returning home on the same day. You may be able to gradually return to normal activities like office, sports, and driving over 7-14 days. Follow all instructions on pain control, diet, and activity as recommended by your doctor. Contact your surgeon immediately if you have an unusual fever, nausea, pain, or bleeding post-surgery.
Consult a general surgery hospital in Malleshwaram if you need gallbladder surgery.
Importance of Follow-Up Appointments
Follow-up visits in the weeks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery are important. It helps to monitor your progress, identify and manage any emerging complications, and address ongoing symptoms or concerns. Guidance on dietary adjustments are also made during follow-ups to supercharge your recovery.
Considering Alternative Treatment Options
Depending on the case, alternatives to surgery may include:
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Oral dissolution therapy for small gallstones.
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Lithotripsy to break down stones.
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Antibiotics for acute cholecystitis.
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Lifestyle changes and weight loss.
However, please note that non-surgical options have high rates of recurrence. Surgery is often the definitive cure.
With the right information and medical team, most patients undergo this minimally invasive, potentially life-changing procedure with great outcomes. As always, discuss options in your specific situation with a qualified general surgeon in Malleshwaram.
FAQ's
Common symptoms of gallbladder problems include:
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Severe abdominal pain, often in the upper right side
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Nausea and vomiting
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Bloating and indigestion
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Fever
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Most people can go home the same day or the day after surgery.
You should eat small, frequent meals, consume lean protein and low-fat dairy products, and limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and fried foods. It’s important to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
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