Preoperative Evaluation: Prior to surgery, you will be evaluated thoroughly, which may involve a physical examination, a review of your medical history, blood tests, imaging examinations (such as an ultrasound or CT scan), and maybe a meeting with a gastroenterologist or a hepatobiliary surgeon. These evaluations help to confirm the diagnosis and establish the best course of treatment.
Anaesthesia: On the day of the surgery, general anaesthesia will be delivered to keep you sleeping and pain-free. This permits the surgeon to execute the surgery in a more comfortable manner.
Cholecystectomy can be accomplished using either open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. Based on factors such as the severity of the problem, your medical history, and their skill, the surgeon will determine the best method.
a. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Laparoscopic surgery involves making numerous small incisions in the abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to make room for the surgeon to work. Through the incisions, a laparoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera and light source) and other specialised surgical equipment are inserted. The surgeon will then use a monitor to visualise the gallbladder before removing it.
b. Open Cholecystectomy: A single bigger incision is made in the upper abdomen, often below the right rib cage, during open surgery. Through this incision, the surgeon gains direct access to and removes the gallbladder.
Gallbladder removal: Once the gallbladder has been accessed, the surgeon delicately disconnects it from the liver and the bile duct. The gallbladder is then placed in a specimen bag and extracted through one of the small incisions during laparoscopic surgery. The gallbladder is removed straight through the larger incision during open surgery.
Closure: After the gallbladder is removed, the wounds are closed with sutures or staples. Absorbable sutures or adhesive strips may be utilized in some circumstances, reducing the need for removal afterwards.
Recovery: After the procedure, you will be brought to a recovery area where you will be observed while you wake up from anesthesia. Depending on the surgical procedure and individual circumstances, the length of the hospital stay can vary. In general, laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires less hospitalization than open cholecystectomy. Pain relievers, antibiotics, and other therapies will be supplied.
Postoperative Process: Following cholecystectomy, you will be given postoperative instructions, including wound care, pain management, and nutritional advice. It is critical to carefully follow these directions and to attend any scheduled follow-up consultations with your surgeon.