Cholecystitis Surgery
The removal of the gallbladder is a part of the cholecystitis process, which is surgery. Cholecystitis is characterised by gallbladder inflammation often caused by gallstones; surgery is necessary to treat the condition and prevent complications. The two main techniques are open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic surgery, the less invasive and more popular approach, uses a tiny camera to remove the gallbladder along with tiny abdominal incisions for specific equipment. With an open cholecystectomy, however, a larger abdominal incision is needed. Even while both operations are typically risk-free, laparoscopic surgery offers the benefits of a speedier recovery and reduced postoperative pain. Most patients report feeling better after surgery and are less concerned about their cholecystitis symptoms.
About Cholecystitis Surgery
Cholecystitis Symptoms:
Cholecystitis, or inflammation of the gallbladder, often presents with symptoms such as:
Severe pain in the right upper abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Bloating
Pain that may radiate to the right shoulder or back, especially after consuming fatty meals.
Cholecystitis Causes:
The primary cause of cholecystitis is gallstones, which block the bile ducts and cause a buildup of bile, leading to inflammation. Other causes include:
Tumors that block bile flow
Gallbladder damage due to injury or illness
Infections that affect the bile ducts
Risk factors: Obesity, rapid weight loss, a diet high in fat or cholesterol, and conditions like diabetes can increase the likelihood of developing cholecystitis.
Cholecystitis Remedies:
For less severe cases, treatment may include:
Pain management and anti-inflammatory medications
Antibiotics for infection
Dietary changes to lower fat intake However, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is the most common and effective treatment, especially for recurrent or severe cases, to prevent complications like gallbladder rupture or infection spread.
Procedure of Cholecystitis Surgery
Preparation:
Pre-operative evaluation is conducted, including a review of the patient’s medical history and diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or CT scans to confirm the presence of gallstones.
The patient discusses anesthesia options with the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Anesthesia:
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring the patient is unconscious and pain-free during the procedure.
Incision:
In a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, several small incisions (typically 3 to 4) are made in the abdomen.
In an open cholecystectomy, a larger incision is made in the upper right side of the abdomen, usually when complications or extensive inflammation are present.
Access and Visualization:
For laparoscopic surgery, a small camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments are inserted through the incisions to visualize and remove the gallbladder.
In an open procedure, the surgeon directly accesses the gallbladder through the larger incision.
Gallbladder Removal:
The gallbladder is carefully separated from the liver and bile ducts using surgical tools.
In laparoscopic surgery, the gallbladder is removed through one of the small incisions; in open surgery, it is removed through the larger incision.
Closure:
The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical staples, and the area is covered with bandages.
After Surgery
Recovery:
After surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room to ensure they are stable.
Pain medications and sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to manage post-operative symptoms.
Most patients are discharged within 1-2 days after laparoscopic surgery, though open surgery may require a longer hospital stay.
Post-operative Care:
Patients are advised to follow a low-fat diet initially.
Physical activity may be limited for a few weeks.
Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and ensure there are no complications.