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Gallbladder removal

Definition

Gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder. The surgery is usually done if the organ is inflamed or obstructed, if gallstones are causing pancreatitis, or if cancer is suspected.

Alternative Names

Open cholecystectomy; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Cholecystectomy

Description

The surgery is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The procedure is most commonly done using a small video camera called a laparoscope. If this is the case, the surgeon makes about 4 small cuts in the belly area. The laparoscope is passed through these small cuts. Carbon dioxide will be passed into the belly area so that the abdomen is lifted up. This provides more space for the surgeon to work.

The surgeon identifies the vessels and duct going to the gallbladder and cuts them. This allows the gallbladder to be removed.

In complicated cases, an open cholecystectomy may be performed. A larger surgical cut is made just below the ribs on the right side of the abdomen. As with laparoscopic surgery, the vessels and ducts going to the gallbladder are identified, clipped, and cut. The gallbladder is removed.

After surgery, the wounds are closed.

Laparoscopic surgery often has a lower rate of complications, a shorter hospital stay, and better cosmetic results than the open procedure.

Indications

Gallbladder removal is usually done to treat the following conditions:

• Gallbladder disease
  • Gallstones
  • Infection or inflammation (cholecystitis)
  • Gallbladder cancer
• Biliary dyskinesia (abnormal gallbladder function)

Risks

The risks for any anesthesia include:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

The risks for surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to the common bile duct

Expectations after surgery

Most patients do very well and recover rapidly.

Convalescence

For open gallbladder removal, you will generally need about 2 weeks for recovery.

For laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, your hospital stay is likely to be shorter, and you may be home within 24 hours. Your recovery time is likely to be shorter as well.

Review Date:10/16/2006
Reviewed By:J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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