GALLBLADDER SURGERY

The gallbladder is a tiny sac-shaped organ that is located just beneath the liver in the right upper part of the abdomen. It is a part of digestive system and its function is to store bile – a chemical that helps in digestion of fats.

WHEN DO YOU NEED GALLBLADDER SURGERY?

Human digestive system can work even without gallbladder – not accurately but the absence of gallbladder doesn’t make much difference. Some conditions that require gallbladder surgery include:
– Gallstones – presence of stones in the gallbladder.
– Gallbladder infection.
– Gallbladder pain – Pain in right upper abdomen, usually after eating.
– Indigestion.

SYMPTOMS OF GALLSTONES

The most common symptoms of gallstones are:
– Indigestion
– Nausea / vomiting
– Gallbladder pain

HOW TO DIAGNOSE GALLSTONES

The gallstones are primarily suspected by an experienced physician after a physical examination of the patient. To confirm the diagnosis, ultrasound and HIDA scan are preferred.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE SURGERY

You will be admitted to the hospital one day before the surgery. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything and you will be kept under observation by our team of experts.

PROCEDURE OF THE SURGERY

Gallbladder is usually removed, not repaired. There are two ways of performing the gallbladder surgery:
– Laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder – small cuts are made around the gallbladder and it is removed with the help of a laparoscope.
– Open surgery – the skin is cut open with a large cut on the right abdomen to remove the gallbladder.
More than 90% of the cases are treated with the laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery is very rare.

POST OPERATIVE MEASURES – AFTER THE SURGERY

You will be carefully observed for at least 8 hours and you may go home on the same day.

FOLLOW UP

Surgeon will prescribe the medication, tell you about your diet, and discharge you from the hospital. He would like to see you 1-2 weeks after the gallbladder surgery for the follow up.