- What causes gallbladder issues ?
- Causes include gallstones, inflammation, and infections. Dr. Sourabh Damani
provides thorough diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
- Can gallbladder issues be managed with medication ?
- In some cases, medications may be prescribed to dissolve gallstones or manage
symptoms. Dr. Sourabh Damani assesses individual cases.
- Is gallbladder removal a common procedure ?
-
Yes, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is common for gallstone issues. Dr.
Sourabh Damani discusses options and considerations with each patient.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder laparoscopically is the gold standard and safest
treatment of gallbladder stones.
- How is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal Done ?
-
General anaesthesia is administered to the patient, this means you are asleep during
surgery.
An incision is made near the belly button.
A small device called a port is inserted through this incision.
The port allows the abdomen to be filled with gas, creating space for the surgery.
A small camera is inserted through the port, providing a clear view of the surgical
area on a screen in the operating room.
Long, narrow instruments are inserted through additional ports to perform the
surgery.
The surgeon disconnects the gallbladder and removes it through one of the incisions.
After the procedure, the surgeon closes the incisions using tiny stitches, staples,
surgical tape, or glue.
Virtually all patients are candidates for laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Dr.
Sourabh Damani is able to perform laparoscopic gallbladder removal even for patients
who have had multiple previous abdominal surgeries, with an extremely low conversion
rate to open surgery.
- What should I expect after gallbladder surgery ?
-
The vast majority of patients leave the hospital the same day, once they are able to
tolerate a diet. A small percentage of patients stay overnight due to nausea and
vomiting from the anaesthesia effect. Occasionally, patients with a significant
pre-existing medical condition may require monitoring overnight
Activity is dependent on how you feels. Walking is encouraged. Patients may shower
the day after the operation. Dressing are to be removed by the patient 3-4 days
after the surgery.
Patients will probably be able to return to normal activities within a week’s time,
including driving, walking up stairs, light lifting and working.
Most patients can return to work within seven days following the laparoscopic
procedure depending on the nature of your job. Patients with administrative or desk
jobs usually return in a few days while those involved in manual labor or heavy
lifting may require a bit more time.
- What Complications can occur ?
-
While there are risks associated with any kind of operation, the vast majority of
laparoscopic gallbladder patient’s experiences few or no complications and quickly
return to normal activities.
Complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are infrequent, but include bleeding,
infection, pneumonia, blood clots, or heart problems. Unintended injury to adjacent
structures such as the common bile duct or small bowel may occur and may require
another surgical procedure to repair it. Unintended injury to adjacent structures,
such as the common bile duct or intestines is extremely rare.
Another surgical procedure may be required to repair it. Bile leakage into the
abdomen from the tubular channels leading from the liver to the intestine may rarely
occur.
