Cholecystectomy

A cholecystectomy is a procedure to remove the gallbladder, which is a small storage organ located under the liver on the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder stores a fluid called bile, produced by the liver, which helps digest fat. When we eat, a hormone called cholecystokinin tells the gallbladder to squeeze and release bile into the small intestine through a small tube called the common bile duct.

Although the gallbladder plays a role in digestion, it’s not essential for survival because bile can still reach the small intestine through other ways. Therefore, removing the gallbladder is a safe and effective treatment for gallbladder problems. The main issues with the gallbladder are gallstones, which are hard deposits of bile that can block the ducts and cause pain (known as biliary colic), and inflammation of the gallbladder called cholecystitis.

A cholecystectomy is the procedure to remove the gallbladder and is the most effective way to treat gallstones or other gallbladder diseases. If you want to learn more about cholecystectomy and why it’s important, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist at The Gut Clinic UK. They will provide you with further information and guidance.

The gallbladder can be removed using two different methods:

– Open cholecystectomy: This method involves making a 5-7 inch incision on the upper right side of the abdomen, below the ribs. The surgeon removes the gallbladder through this larger incision.
– Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is a less invasive procedure that uses a small, thin tube with a light and camera (called a laparoscope). The surgeon makes 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen and inserts the laparoscope and other surgical instruments through these incisions. The abdomen is inflated with air or carbon dioxide to make it easier to see the gallbladder and surrounding organs on a monitor. The surgeon cuts the bile duct and blood vessels connected to the gallbladder and then removes the gallbladder.

During the surgery, your surgeon may also perform a cholangiogram, which involves using X-rays and a dye to view the bile ducts. This helps identify any remaining gallstones or obstructions in the ducts, and the surgeon can remove them if necessary.

If you think you need to have your gallbladder removed, it’s a good idea to contact the specialists at The Gut Clinic UK to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.

After laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder, you can usually go home either on the same day or the day after once you’ve recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Within 24 hours, you can start doing your normal activities and return to work within a week. However, you should avoid doing any strenuous activities for a few more weeks.

While gallbladder removal is generally a safe procedure, like any surgery, there are risks and potential complications. Some of these risks include bleeding, infection, injury to the bile duct, leakage of bile fluid, and damage to the bowel and large blood vessels when surgical instruments are inserted through the incisions in your abdomen.

If you want to learn more about gallbladder removal and the associated considerations, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a GI specialist at The Gut Clinic UK. They will provide you with additional information and address any concerns you may have.