The gallbladder is a four-inch organ located in the upper-right area of the abdomen, under the liver. It helps produce, store, and transport bile, a yellowish-brown fluid produced by the liver.
This fluid is responsible for digesting and breaking down food with fats.
When problems arise, if first-line treatments do not work, and the issue is persistent, doctors may recommend removal to prevent further complications.
Though the gallbladder is a component of the biliary system, it is not considered to be an essential organ. Bile fluid can find it’s way directly to the small intestine through ducts in the liver.
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The procedure for removal of the gallbladder is called Cholecystectomy. Two types of procedures come under cholecystectomy:
This is the most common choice of surgery used to remove over 95% of gallbladders. This method is less invasive and entails 3 to 4 small incisions.
The procedure involves the use of a small tube through the incision. This tube holds a camera (called a laparoscope) along with surgical devices.
The surgeon extracts the gallbladder through one of the incisions.
A conventional method that involves making a single large incision at the site and extracting the gallbladder through it.
There could be many reasons to opt for gallbladder removal. There could be blockages due to bile being thick or even deposits of hard substances known as gallstones.
Mostly, these gallstones pass naturally. Your doctor may recommend surgery if there is notable pain or larger stones.
Other reasons for cholecystectomy could be:
Common factors that could increase the risk of gallbladder problems are:
Gallbladder removal is a low-risk and frequently performed surgery. While any form of surgery has threats, the risk of not having the procedure when recommended could be far worse.
Some of the possible gallbladder removal complications could be:
Above are general risks of a cholecystectomy procedure. However, each individual may face different risks depending on their history and body composition.
Disclose your complete history to your doctor and discuss any fears about complications that may arise.
If you smoke, let the surgical team know and plan on quitting before the surgery to decrease the risk of complications.
If you have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you would mostly be discharged the same day. An open cholecystectomy may need you to stay overnight for monitoring.
While your doctor will give you a comprehensive download, here are some things to keep in mind:
You would be placed under anaesthesia, the surgery would be conducted, and if needed, fluid might be drained.
The surgeon will make incisions after anaesthesia. Carbon dioxide will be used to inflate your abdomen for easy visibility of organs.
Once the procedure is complete, the gas is let out through the incisions.
The following are common symptoms to watch out for:
Depending on the reason for surgery, the benefits may vary, but the general advantages of gallbladder surgery range from the following:
If you experience any of the above symptoms.
It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor. Make sure to wash your hands and sterilize whenever caring for the wound. Avoid wearing tight clothing that might restrict the healing of the wound.
Patients usually take up to 3 weeks to return to normal activity. So, slowly increase your activity level and avoid abrupt exercises.
Maintain the health of your biliary and digestive system by eating right and keeping fit. Ensure to add nutritious high-fibre food like fresh vegetables and whole grains.
Avoid eating high-fat meals and processed food to prevent overloading your system. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated.
While the prevention of diseases with a healthy lifestyle should be your first priority, the cure for them is also advancing rapidly. If you have experienced any of the symptoms stated for a prolonged period, or are continually facing gastrointestinal issues, make sure to visit a doctor promptly.
