Cholecystectomy
The surgical removal of the gallbladder.
When is surgical procedure required?
Gallstones often cause a pain in the upper abdomen (epigastric and under the right rib cage – i.e. “biliary colic”). The pain differs in intensity and duration, and generally occurs several hours after a meal (larger and spiced, containing meat and fat) often followed by nausea and vomiting. By biliary excretion, the body eliminates toxic waste and liver metabolites. Furthermore, the bile fluid compounds are necessary for absorption of various nutrients. The contraction of the gallbladder occurs as a result of an increased need for bile fluid excretion into the digestive system after a meal. The biliary pain is mostly caused by a gallstone stuck in the cystic duct. Sometimes it can lead to the inflammation of the gallbladder which might require an urgent surgical procedure. Gallstones which cause constant or frequent discomforts should be surgically treated. Patients with calcified wall of the gallbladder, verified by the ultrasound examination (porcelain gallbladder), or a gallstone larger than 2.5 cm in diameter should also undergo the prophylactic surgical procedure, due to an increased risk of the gallbladder malignant disease.
What does the surgery include?
The surgery is performed by applying the laparoscopic approach (minimally invasive surgical procedure). Three to four small incisions are made through the abdominal wall, measuring up to 5 to 12 mm, through which laparoscopic instruments are inserted. The procedure is highly safe. Nowadays, the laparoscopic approach is considered the “gold standard” for the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Postoperative discomfort and the pain are significantly reduced and the recovery time is shortened.
How to get prepared?
Day before surgery a patient should eat light food and stop smoking and drinking alcohol and not take anything orally after a night’s sleep.
Related tests and examinations:
Physical examination and tests indicated by the anaesthesiologist (laboratory tests, ECG, heart and lung X-ray scan, physical examination by other specialist) should be performed after the examination of abdominal surgeon.