SURGEON
Cholecystectomy: Understanding Gallbladder Removal
What is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located under the liver. It plays an important role in digestion by storing bile and injecting it into the duodenum as needed to dissolve dietary fats.
What is a cholecystectomy?
Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, usually performed to treat gallstone disease and related complications.
Laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Involves making small incisions through which a video camera and special instruments are inserted into the abdomen. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy allows patients to be discharged the next day and significantly reduces the recovery period.
Open cholecystectomy: Requires a larger incision, leading to longer hospitalization, more pronounced pain syndrome, and a more severe recovery period.
When is cholecystectomy recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a cholecystectomy if you have:
Although cholecystectomy is generally a standard and safe operation in experienced hands, risks include: damage to the bile ducts, accumulation of bile in the resection area, bleeding, infection, damage to adjacent organs, and anesthesia complications.
Expected results
After cholecystectomy, most people are relieved of pain caused by gallstones and can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
Life after gallbladder removal
The absence of the gallbladder usually does not lead to any pronounced problems with digestion. Some patients may experience minor changes in gastrointestinal tract functioning such as loose stool, which usually resolve over time.
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located under the liver. It plays an important role in digestion by storing bile and injecting it into the duodenum as needed to dissolve dietary fats.
What is a cholecystectomy?
Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, usually performed to treat gallstone disease and related complications.
Laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Involves making small incisions through which a video camera and special instruments are inserted into the abdomen. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy allows patients to be discharged the next day and significantly reduces the recovery period.
Open cholecystectomy: Requires a larger incision, leading to longer hospitalization, more pronounced pain syndrome, and a more severe recovery period.
When is cholecystectomy recommended?
Your doctor may recommend a cholecystectomy if you have:
- Cholelithiasis: Stones in the gallbladder causing symptoms.
- Choledocholithiasis: Stones in the bile duct (after their removal and stent placement).
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder.
- Gallbladder polyps: Especially those whose sizes raise suspicion of their malignant nature.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas provoked by gallstones.
Although cholecystectomy is generally a standard and safe operation in experienced hands, risks include: damage to the bile ducts, accumulation of bile in the resection area, bleeding, infection, damage to adjacent organs, and anesthesia complications.
Expected results
After cholecystectomy, most people are relieved of pain caused by gallstones and can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks.
Life after gallbladder removal
The absence of the gallbladder usually does not lead to any pronounced problems with digestion. Some patients may experience minor changes in gastrointestinal tract functioning such as loose stool, which usually resolve over time.