Overview
What Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ?
The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy (chol-e-cys-tec-to-my). The gallbladder is removed through a 5 to 8 inch long incision, or cut, in your abdomen. The cut is made just below your ribs on the right side and goes to just below your waist. This is called open cholecystectomy.
A less invasive way to remove the gallbladder is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This surgery uses a laparoscope (an instrument used to see the inside of your body) to remove the gallbladder. It is performed through several small incisions rather than through one large incision.
Gallstones
Gallstones usually form in the gallbladder because of excessive cholesterol in bile. They are a very common medical problem. When they cause pain or other problems, treatment is usually needed. The removal of the gallbladder is one of the most common types of surgery done in this country. In the past, open abdominal surgery was the standard treatment. This procedure required a 3 to 7 day stay in the hospital and a 3 to 7 inch incision and scar on the abdomen.
Laparoscopy
Most females have heard of laparoscopy, also known as "bellybutton" or "Band-Aid" surgery. Gynecologists have long used this technique to tie the Fallopian tubes and to inspect the female reproductive organs. Now the use of laparoscopy has been expanded to include removing a diseased gallbladder. With new video technology, the laparoscope has become a miniature television camera. Powerful magnification is now possible, showing the intestinal organs in great detail.
What Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ?
The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy. The gallbladder is removed through a 5 to 8 inch long incision, or cut, in your abdomen. The cut is made just below your ribs on the right side and goes to just below your waist. This is called open cholecystectomy.
A less invasive way to remove the gallbladder is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This surgery uses a laparoscope (an instrument used to see the inside of your body) to remove the gallbladder. It is performed through several small incisions rather than through one large incision.
What Is A Laparoscope And How Is It Used To Remove The Gallbladder ?
A laparoscope is a small, thin tube that is put into your body through a tiny cut made just below your navel. Your surgeon can then see your gallbladder on a television screen and do the surgery with tools inserted in three other small cuts made in the right upper part of your abdomen. Your gallbladder is then taken out through one of the incisions.
When Is It Done ?
This procedure is performed when you have stones or inflammation in your gallbladder, causing pain. The gallbladder is shaped like a small balloon. It is attached to the liver and holds bile. Bile is produced in the liver and helps with digestion of fatty foods. Small particles of bile can form a sediment in the gallbladder that can turn into gallstones. These stones may remain loose in your gallbladder or they may block the gallbladder outlet causing pain when the gallbladder contracts. In that case the gallbladder may also become swollen, inflamed, and/or rarely start to decompose (become "gangrenous").
There are no alternatives to surgically removing the gallbladder when it is causing pain.
How Do I Prepare For A Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ?
Follow the instructions provided by the doctor. The night before the procedure eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and on the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee or tea. You may be able to take some or all of your normal medicines with a sip of water. Ask your surgeon about this before the operation.
Are There Any Benefits Of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Compared With Open Cholecystectomy ?
With laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you may return to work sooner, have less pain after surgery, and have a shorter hospital stay and a shorter recovery time. Surgery to remove the gallbladder with a laparoscope does not require that the muscles of your abdomen be cut, as they are in open surgery. The incision is much smaller, which makes recovery go quicker.
With laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you probably will only have to stay in the hospital overnight. With open cholecystectomy, you would have to stay in the hospital for about five days. Because the incisions are smaller with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there isn't as much pain after this operation as after open cholecystectomy.
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