Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery)
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the abdomen, just under the liver. It stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats.
Gallbladder problems such as gallstones, inflammation, infection, or cancer can cause pain, nausea, and other digestive symptoms. In these cases, removing the gallbladder may be necessary.
Traditionally, gallbladder removal was done through an open surgery, which involves making a large incision in the abdomen. However, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a newer technique that uses small incisions and specialized surgical tools to remove the gallbladder.
The laparoscopic approach has several advantages over open surgery. It results in less pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, smaller scars, and lower risk of complications. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a week or two after the surgery.
Here’s how laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed:
- Anaesthesia: The patient is given general anaesthesia to put them to sleep and prevent pain during the surgery.
- Incisions: The surgeon makes several small incisions (usually four) in the abdomen, each about 0.5-1 cm in length. These incisions allow the surgeon to insert surgical instruments and a tiny camera called a laparoscope into the abdomen.
- Insufflation: Carbon dioxide gas is pumped into the abdomen to create space and provide a clear view of the organs.
- Visualization: The laparoscope sends images of the inside of the abdomen to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see the gallbladder and surrounding organs in detail.
- Dissection: The surgeon uses surgical instruments to carefully separate the gallbladder from its attachments to the liver, bile ducts, and blood vessels. The gallbladder is then removed through one of the small incisions.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
After the surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room until they wake up from anaesthesia. They may feel some pain, discomfort, or bloating in the abdomen, but these symptoms can be managed with medication. The patient is usually able to go home on the same day or the following day, depending on their condition.
The recovery period for laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally shorter than for open surgery. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. However, it’s important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for postoperative care, which may include taking pain medication, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, and eating a low-fat diet.
In rare cases, complications can occur with laparoscopic cholecystectomies, such as bleeding, infection, injury to nearby organs, or conversion to open surgery. However, the overall risk of complications is lower than with open surgery.
In conclusion, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and effective treatment for gallbladder problems. It offers many benefits over traditional open surgery, such as less pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars. If you are experiencing symptoms of gallbladder disease, talk to your doctor or contact us whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be right for you.
