Minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, also known as a laparoscopic gallbladder removal, is an operation that is performed when a problem with your gallbladder threatens your overall health. Your gallbladder is a non-essential organ, meaning your body can get along just fine without it, although it does help to aid in the digestive process.
If you’ve been told that you are dealing with gallbladder disease or another issue that is best treated by removing the organ, you probably have dozens of questions racing around in your head. Below, we want to highlight some of the more important things you should know if you need to undergo gallbladder removal.
Gallbladder Removal Basics
The most common gallbladder removal procedure is the laparoscopic kind, meaning the surgeon only needs to make a few small incisions on your abdomen to access the gallbladder. A minimally invasive operation is preferred for a number of reasons. For starters, not only does it reduce the risk of infections or other surgical complications like bleeding, it also results in smaller surgical scars and a reduced recovery time for patients. The surgical success rates are extremely high for both minimally invasive and open procedures, so you’re not sacrificing safety by going with the smaller operation option.
Ahead of your operation, your surgical team will run some tests to ensure you’re best prepared for your operation, and so that there aren’t any surprises on the day of surgery. You’ll undergo routine blood tests, imaging scans of your gallbladder, a physical exam and the surgeon will take a closer look at your medical history. You should also tell your doctor about any medications you are taking and follow your doctor’s instructions about medication use in the weeks and days leading up to surgery.
For the operation, you’ll be given general anesthesia to ensure the operation is painless. Four small incisions will be made on your abdomen, and the doctor will insert a small tube with a tiny camera attached to the tip to allow him to visualize the surgical site. From there, the doctor will disengage the gallbladder from its attachments instead the body and remove it through the incision sites. The surgeon will then check for bile duct consistencies or any other areas of concern before closing up the incision sites.
After Gallbladder Removal
Most people are allowed to return home on the same day as their operation. Because your body will be adjusting to the loss of its bile storage center, you’ll want to avoid eating big meals or greasy meals for a while. There’s also the possibility that you’ll experience some mild stomach irritation or diarrhea.
You’ll be encouraged to walk and move around as soon as you’re feeling better, but return to full activities can take a couple of weeks or even months depending on the type of work or activities you perform. Your surgeon can walk you through your return to activity guidelines based on your specific situation.
Keep your incision sites clean as the stitches heal, and follow your doctor’s instructions about bathing or showering. You’ll return to the surgical center to have the stitches removed at your follow up appointment. Assuming all looks good, your doctor will clear you for normal activity, and they can provide you with more diet tips if you’re still having some digestive discomfort at this point.
