Gallbladder Removal
Gallbladder removal
Gallbladder removal is done using open gallbladder removal surgery. Moving forward with the surgery process, a surgeon would make a large incision into the appropriate area. It is followed by gently reaching in through the incision and lifting out the gallbladder. Such a kind of surgery is generally done by putting the patient on anesthesia.
For gallbladder removal, a surgeon would make an incision of approximately 5-7 inches in the upper right part of your belly. First off, the bile duct and the blood vessels leading to the gallbladder are cut. After this is done, the gallbladder is removed.
Cholangiogram is a special x-ray done during the surgery. The surgeon would spurt a dye in your bile duct and this duct is left after the gallbladder is removed. The reason for doing this is to locate any other stones that may be located outside the gallbladder area. A special medical instrument can be used to remove these if found.
WHY IS GALLBLADDER REMOVAL DONE?
The basic reasons for gallbladder removal are the presence of gallstones or malfunctioning of your gallbladder. The symptoms are:
• Pain after eating in the upper right/middle area of the belly
• Vomiting and Nausea
• Infection
• Indigestion
A laparoscope is the most efficient device used to remove gallbladder. These are the most common reasons for a surgery however; there can be others as well. These are:
• Past record of numerous surgeries in this area
• Breathing problems
• Liver problems
• Bleeding problems
• Third trimester of pregnancy
• Obesity
• Pancreatitis
RISKS
Risks associated with anesthesia are:
• Reactions as a result of the drugs given
• Breathing problems
• Pneumonia
• Heart problems
• Blood clots in the lungs or legs
The risks associated with gallbladder removal surgery are:
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Injury to the common bile duct
• Injury to the small intestine
Precautions have to be taken before and after the surgery.
BEFORE SURGERY
• Medical tests like blood tests (Blood count, electrolytes, kidney tests), Chest X-ray and X-ray for gallbladder. These tests may vary according to the severity of the problem.
• Inform about pregnancy
• Inform the doctor about the drugs, medications you are or you were in the past.
• Strictly adhere to the procedures and instructions foretold by the doctor. This may include stop taking some drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin etc that may cause blood clots.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the procedure.
AFTER SURGERY
• Incentive spirometer is used for breathing after the surgery. This helps to avoid pneumonia.
• IV tube will be used to provide your body with fluids.
• You may have to use pressure stockings to avoid blood clot
