Laparoscopic cholecystectomy at ALSA Pakistan
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an advanced and minimally invasive surgical procedure performed with small incisions for the removal of the gallbladder using a laparoscope.
The need for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Most commonly, it is done in the case of gallstones and the complications they cause. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is also recommended in case of;
- Gallbladder trauma
- Gallstones in the bile duct
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Mass or polyps in gallbladder
- Biliary dyskinesia
- Pancreas inflammation
- Other gallbladder complications
What is a Gallbladder?
A gallbladder is a small pear shaper organ that is located under your liver. It stores bile that is produced by the liver, which is a fluid that helps in the digestion and breakdown of fats into fatty acids.
Preparation of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Food intake
You will have to avoid eating or drinking after midnight of the day before surgery. You can drink some water to take medicines. If you are a smoker, it is good to avoid smoking few days before you go into any surgery for better healing.
Certain medications
You might have to discontinue certain medications temporarily.
Procedure for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
In a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a few small incisions are made on the upper right side of the abdomen; a long, thin tube with a camera at the end called a laparoscope is inserted through an incision which shows the inside of your abdomen on a screen. We insert surgical tools through other incisions and remove the gallbladder. This procedure is accomplished under general anesthesia, so you won’t be awake during the operation. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes about one or two hours; after that, your incisions are sutured, and you are taken into a recovery room.
Recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy
In case of no complications, you can be discharged the same day. Sometimes we recommend one night stay to keep you under observation in order to make sure you are capable of eating and drinking without pain and can walk on your own. It takes a couple of weeks for complete recovery and returning to light activities, and strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.
Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very common surgery, and it carries a small risk of complications, including;
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood vessel damage
- Blood clots
- Allergic reaction to drugs or anesthesia
The occurrence of complications depends upon individual health and immunity. Open cholecystectomy is a major surgery that uses one large incision to remove the gallbladder. It is a more traditional and older approach and carries a higher potential of complications.
Post-operation guidelines
Following guidelines promote smooth recovery and healing;
- Rest for 24 hours
- Avoid dairy products, red meat, processed food, fast food, sugar products and caffeine.
- Practice proper wound care.
- Mostly dissolvable stitches are used, and they will start to disappear within 2-4 weeks. If non-dissolvable stitches are used, you will have to get them removed after 7-10 days.
- You should avoid doing strenuous activities for about three weeks, including jogging, frequent bending and stair climbing, heavy weight lifting and cycling.
- Slowly and gradually, your activities will increase, and you will return to your normal routine.
