Gallbladder Surgery

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on gallbladder surgery. Instead of experiencing symptoms related to gallstones or gallbladder issues, contact me to learn your treatment options. I am dedicated to providing you compassionate, cutting-edge care right here in London.

Patient feedback after gallbladder surgery

What is Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy) and why is it done?

Gallbladder surgery, medically known as a cholecystectomy, is the surgical procedure to remove your gallbladder. This small, pear-shaped organ stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by your liver. When gallstones form or the gallbladder becomes inflamed, it can cause significant pain and serious health problems.

Why is gallbladder surgery necessary?

Gallbladder removal becomes necessary when gallstones or inflammation cause persistent and severe symptoms, or lead to complications such as:

• Frequent or severe gallstone attacks (biliary colic): Intense pain in your upper right abdomen.
• Acute cholecystitis: Sudden, severe inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas caused by a gallstone blocking the bile duct.
• Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones moving into and blocking the main bile ducts.
• Gallbladder polyps: Certain types or sizes of polyps that may have a risk of becoming cancerous.
• Acalculous cholecystitis: Gallbladder inflammation without the presence of stones.

How gallbladder surgery is done?

The “best” surgery for gallbladder removal is typically the one that offers the most effective outcome with the least invasiveness for the patient, tailored to their specific condition. For most patients, this is laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

The Keyhole Approach: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common and preferred method for gallbladder removal. It is a minimally invasive procedure:

1. Small Incisions: Your surgeon will make several tiny incisions (usually 3-4, each about 0.5-1 cm) in your abdomen. One incision is made near the belly button.
2. Laparoscope Insertion: A thin, lighted tube with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted through one incision, allowing the surgeon to view your internal organs on a monitor.
3. Inflation: Your abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create working space and better visibility.
4. Instrument Insertion: Specialized surgical instruments are inserted through the other small incisions.
5. Gallbladder Removal: The surgeon carefully detaches and removes the gallbladder.
6. Closure: The instruments are removed, the gas is released, and the small incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape.

Is gallbladder surgery Dangerous?

Modern laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is very safe and is one of the most commonly performed abdominal surgeries worldwide.

However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, though serious complications are rare. These can include:

• Bleeding
• Infection at the incision sites or internally
• Bile leak (from the liver or bile ducts)
• Injury to the bile duct or nearby organs (e.g., liver, intestine)
• Complications from anesthesia
• Blood clots

I will carefully assess your individual health and circumstances to minimize risks and ensure the safest possible outcome. I will discuss all potential risks with you in detail during your consultation.

Recovery and what to expect

Knowing “what is gallbladder surgery recovery time” is a key concern for many patients. The recovery period largely depends on the type of surgery performed and your overall health.

What Is The Recovery Time?

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:
  • Hospital Stay: Most patients go home the same day or within 24 hours.
  • Return to Light Activities: You can usually resume light activities within a few days.
  • Full Recovery: Most people feel significantly better within 1 to 2 weeks and can return to normal activities, including work, within 2-4 weeks. You should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.

Where is Pain After Gallbladder Surgery?

It’s common to experience some pain after gallbladder surgery.

• Incision Sites: You will feel pain and tenderness around your small abdominal incisions.
• Shoulder Pain: A common sensation is pain in the right shoulder or upper back. This is from the residual gas (from the laparoscopic procedure) irritating the diaphragm, which shares nerves with the shoulder. This usually subsides within 24-48 hours.
• Abdominal Discomfort: You might also feel general abdominal discomfort, bloating, or cramping as your body adjusts.

You receive pain medication to manage your discomfort before you go home.

What to Expect After Gallbladder Surgery:

• Diet: You’ll start with clear liquids and gradually advance to a normal diet. Some people find that certain fatty or greasy foods may cause digestive upset initially, but most can return to a regular diet over time. I will provide you detailed dietary advice.
• Bowel Movements: It’s common to experience changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, in the days or weeks following surgery.
• Activity: Walking is excellent for recovery. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities as advised by your surgeon.
• Incision Care: Keep incisions clean and dry. Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, increasing pain).

When is Gallbladder Surgery an Emergency?

While many gallbladder surgeries are planned, there are situations where gallbladder surgery is needed urgently or becomes an emergency.

Emergency gallbladder surgery is typically warranted when complications arise that pose immediate threats to your health, such as:

• Acute Cholecystitis with Severe Symptoms: Intense, unrelenting abdominal pain, often accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting, that doesn’t respond to conservative treatment.
• Gallstone Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas caused by a gallstone, which can be a severe and life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
• Cholangitis: A severe infection of the bile ducts, often caused by a blocked gallstone, leading to fever, chills, jaundice, and severe abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency.
• Gallbladder Perforation: A rare but serious complication where the inflamed gallbladder wall ruptures, potentially leading to widespread infection (peritonitis).

In these critical scenarios, emergency surgery aims to:

• Relieve life-threatening blockages.
• Control severe infection and inflammation.
• Prevent organ damage or sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection).
• Address acute, unmanageable pain.

Delaying surgery in these cases can lead to much more severe health consequences. If you are struggling with sudden problems with gallbladder, please give our team a call.

Your Trusted Partner for Surgical Health in London

I specialize in advanced laparoscopic techniques for gallbladder removal, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care with a focus on your comfort and rapid recovery.

I will provide you with:

• Expert Diagnosis: Accurate assessment of your condition using state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored approaches based on your specific health needs.
• Minimally Invasive Options: A strong emphasis on keyhole techniques for faster recovery.
• Comprehensive Post-Operative Care: Detailed guidance and support throughout your recovery journey.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with gallstones, don’t wait. Contact our team today.