Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy or Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal in medical terms is one of the most common surgical procedures to remove the gall bladder using minimally invasive techniques.
What is a Gallbladder?
A pear-shaped organ, gallbladder lies beneath the right side of the liver. Its primary function is to collect and concentrate bile (digestive liquid) produced by the liver. The bile released by the gall bladder helps in digestion as it reaches through the bile ducts into the small intestine
What are the causes that Lead to Gall bladder Problems?
- Presence of hard and small gallstones that contain cholesterol and bile salts
- The exact cause of the formation is not known but it is quite common amongst women over 40 years of age especially the one who is overweight.
Detecting gallbladder problems and its treatment
Gallstones can be detected using:
- Ultrasound scans.
- X-ray test like gallbladder nuclear medicine scan and a CT scan is done in more severe cases.
Dietary adjustment such as reducing the intake of fat helps to temporarily manage the problem. However, the success rate of this method is quite low. There are also other treatments that are known to help to dissolve or break down gallstones, but even those methods do not have a high success rate.
This is the reason why most Doctors suggest surgical removal of the gallbladder. This procedure is not only safe but also offers healthier results.
What is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery? What is its Procedure?
A Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery is performed using a laparoscope – a thin, lighted tube that allows the doctor to see inside of the belly. Here we share the procedure in steps –
- The patient is given general anesthesia and the operation is pain- free.
- 3-4 small cuts are made in the belly and the laparoscope is inserted through one of these cuts.
- The other medical instruments required for the operation are inserted through other cuts.
- To expand the space, gas is pumped into the belly. This gives the surgeon more room to work.
- If the laparoscopic method cannot be used to safely remove the gallbladder than an open surgery is performed.
Benefits of Laparoscopic gallbladder removal
Before you book an appointment with a surgeon or book surgery packages online, know the advantages of remove the gallbladder through laparoscopy:
- The operation is done with four small openings in the abdomen as compared to a five to seven-inch incision in the other methods of treatment.
- Postoperative pain is minimal.
- Recovery is also faster as compared to doing an open gallbladder surgery.
- The patient is discharged the same day and can also get back to normal activities soon.
Should You Go For laparoscopic gallbladder removal?
Gallbladder removal surgery using laparoscopy has various advantages; however, the process may not be suited to all patients. Those who have a complicated gallbladder disease or a history of an upper abdominal surgery cannot opt for this method. The surgeon would do a complete medical examination and only then decide if laparoscopic gallbladder removal is an appropriate procedure for the patient.
