Gallbladder Surgery: What to Expect from Laparoscopic Removal

Do You Have Gallstones? Everything You Need to Know About Gallbladder Surgery

The gallbladder is a small but essential organ that stores bile, a digestive fluid necessary for fat digestion. However, certain conditions can affect its function and require its removal through a procedure called cholecystectomy.

When Is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?

The main reasons for recommending gallbladder surgery are:

• Symptomatic Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): The formation of gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods. If left untreated, gallstones can lead to serious complications.
• Gallbladder Polyps: These are small growths on the gallbladder wall. Removal is recommended if they exceed 10 mm, have suspicious characteristics, or cause symptoms, as they could lead to complications, including the risk of malignancy.

What Happens If It Is Not Treated in Time?

If surgery is not performed when necessary, complications may arise, such as:

• Cholecystitis: Acute inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by bile duct obstruction due to gallstones. It can cause severe pain in the right side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If untreated, it may lead to serious infection or gallbladder perforation.
• Biliary Colic: Episodes of intense pain in the upper right or middle abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder. This occurs when a gallstone temporarily blocks the cystic duct or the common bile duct. It often happens after eating fatty foods and can last from 30 minutes to several hours.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: A blockage that prevents the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. This can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, pale stools, itching, and abdominal pain. If untreated, it can lead to serious infections such as cholangitis.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas due to gallstones blocking the pancreatic duct. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. This condition can range from mild to severe, with potential life-threatening complications.

These conditions can cause severe pain, infections, and even irreversible damage to organs such as the liver and pancreas. To prevent these risks, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended for patients with recurrent symptoms.

What Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the gallbladder is removed through small incisions in the abdomen. A small camera and specialized surgical instruments are used to perform the surgery with precision and safety.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

• Less postoperative pain.
• Faster recovery (usually within a few days).
• Lower risk of infections and minimal scarring.
• Short hospital stay (most cases require only 24 hours).

When Should You See a Specialist?

If you experience recurrent abdominal pain, discomfort after eating, or have been diagnosed with gallstones or gallbladder polyps, it is essential to consult a specialist in general and digestive surgery.

Early diagnosis and timely intervention can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

📧 Contact us for a personalized consultation and get all your questions answered about gallbladder surgery.