Cholecystectomy

Procedure Information

What is Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy refers to a surgical procedure in which the gallbladder is removed. The gallbladder is a small, hollow, pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver. The gallbladder is responsible for collecting and storing bile. Bile is a digestive fluid that is secreted to your small intestine to help in the digestion of fat.

The removal of the gallbladder is done using a procedure called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During this procedure, a special surgical tool called a laparoscope is inserted into your abdomen through very small incisions to see the inside of your abdomen and remove the gallbladder. Laparoscopic surgeries are considered to be minimally invasive surgeries.

Sometimes, the physician would make one large incision to remove the gallbladder. This is called an open cholecystectomy.

Why would I get a Cholecystectomy?

The most common indication of cholecystectomy is to treat gallstones. Although gallstones can be silent, they, sometimes, can cause severe right upper quadrant pain especially after eating a meal. Gallbladder stones, if not treated, can lead to complications like bile duct obstruction and gallbladder inflammation.

Cholecystectomy is recommended if you have:

• Gallbladder stones (cholelithiasis) 
• Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
• Gallstones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis) 
• Gallbladder polyps

What happens during Cholecystectomy?

You will be given a general anesthetic to help you fall asleep during the surgery, relax your abdominal muscles, and prevent pain.

The surgeon will make a cut in your navel and insert the laparoscope through it. More instruments will be then inserted through additional small incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon will use these instruments to see and remove your gallbladder. The gallbladder is then removed through one of the incisions made.

If your doctor decides to do open cholecystectomy, a single cut is made below the right side of the ribcage. The surgeon then will cut the gallbladder away from the surrounding tissue and the blood supply is tied off. The surgeon will then close the skin using surgical clips and stitches.

What to expect after Cholecystectomy?

After the surgery is done, you will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring and until the anesthesia drugs wear off. Recovery varies depending on which kind of cholecystectomy was done:

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: It takes around a week to fully recover from the procedure. You will be able to go home the same day as the surgery, but you, sometimes, will be required to stay at the hospital for one night.
• Open cholecystectomy: You will able to go home in two to four days, but it takes around 5 weeks to fully recover from the procedure. 

Conclusion

Cholecystectomy will help you to experience less pain in your right upper quadrant. The gallbladder is not essential for healthy digestion, so you won’t experience digestive problems after the procedure. Discuss with your gastroenterologist any changes in your bowel habits or new symptoms following your procedure. 

Citations

Mayo Clinic: Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

Cleveland Clinic: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)