Surgical Procedures for Gallstones: Varieties, Preparation, Healing Process, and Post-operative Care
In the realm of gallbladder surgery, two main procedures are commonly used: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy.
The most popular approach, the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a minimally invasive technique that involves making 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen. A small camera, known as a laparoscope, and surgical tools are inserted to remove the gallbladder. This method offers several advantages, including less pain, minimal scarring, shorter hospital stays (often same-day discharge), and quicker recovery, typically within 1 to 2 weeks[1][3][2].
On the other hand, open cholecystectomy is a traditional surgical procedure that requires a larger single incision (4-6 inches) in the upper right abdomen. This method is used when complications are expected, such as infection, severe inflammation, scar tissue, or unusual anatomy. Recovery from open cholecystectomy takes about 4 to 6 weeks due to the larger incision and more extensive tissue disruption[1][3][4].
Post-surgery, people with diarrhea after gallbladder removal should gradually increase their fiber intake over several weeks, while those with acid reflux should eat small meals and avoid foods that may worsen symptoms, including caffeine and alcohol, tomato-based foods, spicy foods, and mint[6].
It's important to note that in certain cases, open cholecystectomy may be performed if the laparoscopic procedure is not successful or if the gallbladder is severely inflamed, badly infected, scarred from previous procedures, or if bleeding issues, overweight or obesity, or poor visibility inside the body are present.
After surgery, patients are advised to be as active as possible to help keep the body moving. For optimal healing, incisions should be kept clean and dry, bandages changed regularly, and all advice from the doctor followed.
The gallbladder is not an essential organ to human life, and a surgeon can safely remove it with a surgical procedure called cholecystectomy.
In the case of gallstone removal, surgeons are more likely to perform a laparoscopic procedure than an open procedure. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a person can often go home the same day or the next day and can return to normal activities within 1 week. After open cholecystectomy, a person may need to stay in the hospital for several days and can return to normal activities within 1 month.
Long-term aftercare may require making some long-term dietary changes, but there is no set standard for dietary changes after cholecystectomy, and each person should have a unique dietary plan depending on how their body reacts to the loss of the gallbladder. The surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment for about 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
Robotics may be used in some cases to assist with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and during the procedure, the surgeon will use general anesthetics, make incisions, place devices called ports into the incisions, use a small camera to help them remove the gallbladder, and seal the openings with stitches or staples.
Complications from gallbladder surgery can include bile duct infections, requiring additional surgeries. Many gallstones do not cause symptoms, and these are known as "silent gallstones." An estimated 50-70% of gallstones are asymptomatic.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholecystectomy/about/pac-20394988 [2] NHS. (2021). Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gallstones/treatment/ [3] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16096-gallbladder-removal-cholecystectomy [4] Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/gallbladder-removal-cholecystectomy [5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Post-cholecystectomy syndrome. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/gallbladder-disease/post-cholecystectomy-syndrome [6] National Library of Medicine. (2021). Diet and gallbladder disease. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000022.htm
- The popular approach to gallbladder surgery, known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure that falls under the category of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness.
- Following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patients may experience issues like diarrhea or acid reflux, which can be managed through specific changes in their diet and lifestyle as part of their health-and-wellness routine.
- Robotics can assist with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a type of therapies-and-treatments used for addressing certain medical-conditions like cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation).
- Gallstones, a potential medical-condition, can cause complications during or after gallbladder surgery, and a significant portion of these are asymptomatic, referred to as "silent gallstones."
- The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) provides guidelines for anesthetics used during various surgical procedures like cholecystectomy to ensure patient safety and well-being.
