PROCEDURES Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ situated below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. While the purpose of the gallbladder is to collect bile made by the liver, this functioning isn’t essential for the digestive system to function, and the gallbladder may be bypassed and removed for the following reasons:
- As treatment for stones in the gallbladder
- As treatment for stones in the bile duct
- To treat inflammation of the gallbladder
- For large gallbladder polyps
- To treat pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas due to gallstones
When the gallbladder is surgically removed it is called a cholecystectomy. This surgery may be done through minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, without the need for large incisions, minimising recovery time.
What does a laparoscopic cholecystectomy involve?
Under general anaesthesia four small incisions are made in the abdomen. Through one of these incisions a laparoscope, which is a thin tube-like instrument fitted with a camera and light, is inserted into the abdomen. This laparoscope will allow Dr Kruger to view the internal organs, specifically the gallbladder on a monitor. With full view of the gallbladder and surrounding structures, he will then insert other small surgical tools to operate. The gallbladder is then dissected and removed through one of the small incisions. In some cases, a special imaging x-ray may be done to check for any gallstones or problems in your bile duct. If found, these are removed before closing the small incisions with stitches.
What can I expect for recovery?
As with any surgery you can expect to experience some pain afterwards, but since surgery was done using a minimally invasive technique, your recovery time should be much shorter and your pain much less. You will be placed in the recovery area after surgery and once the anaesthesia wears off you will be allowed to go home. In specific cases Dr Kruger may request that patients stay overnight, but this will be discussed with you should that be the case. Once discharged it may take approximately a week or two to fully recover from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
You should avoid any vigorous exercise until you have been given the go-ahead form Dr Kruger. You will see him in 2 weeks for a check-up, but do communicate should you notice jaundice, begin to feel ill or have any sudden increase of pain, fever, purulent wound discharge or nausea, as this may be a sign of infection.
