Cholecystectomy – Removal of the gallbladder – open surgery

Description open gallbladder removal

Cholecystectomy – surgical removal of the gallbladder. This organ is located near the liver, and stores bile, which is produced in the liver. Bile helps the digestion of fatty foods. Bile from the gall bladder out through the ducts to the small intestine.

Open gallbladder removal is performed, when the surgeon is not able to perform less invasive surgery option, called laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder.

What held removal of the gallbladder?

This operation is used, to remove diseased or damaged gall bladder. Damage is usually applied to infection or inflammation. Damage often occurs because of gallstones, which are crystals of bile, and can form in the gall bladder. Sometimes they get stuck in the ducts, through which bile flows. This blockage in the ducts can damage the gallbladder and liver.

Possible complications of gallbladder removal

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. Before, how to perform the removal of the gallbladder, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Gallstones, who accidentally fell into the abdominal cavity;
• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Damage to other nearby structures or organs;
• Reactions to general anesthesia;
• Blood clots.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Age: 60 and older;
• Pregnancy;
• Obesity;
• Smoking;
• Malnutrition;
• Recent or chronic illness;
• Diabetes;
• The problems of the heart or lungs;
• Blood clotting;
• Alcohol and drug use;
• The use of some drugs.

How is the removal of the gallbladder?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the procedure the doctor, probably, appoint the following tests:

• Blood tests to assess liver function;
• Ultrasonography to detect gallstones;
• Gallbladder scintigraphy (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan) – X-ray test, in which a chemical substance is introduced into the gallbladder, that allows you to pictures of the liver, gallbladder, ducts and small intestine;
• Other radiological scanning techniques, to see the location of the gallbladder;
• ECG chest X-ray, To make sure, that the heart and lungs are healthy enough, to withstand during surgery.

Before the procedure:

• The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medicines a week before the procedure,:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood-thinning drugs, such as clopidogrel or warfarin;
• We need to organize a trip to the hospital and back after surgery, as well as help at home after the procedure;
• In the evening before surgery you can eat a light meal. You can not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure;
• The patient can give a laxative and / or enema, to cleanse the bowel;
• They can be treated with antibiotics;
• In the morning before the procedure may be requested to take a shower with a special antibacterial soap.

Anesthesia

Used general anesthesia. When using general anesthesia the patient will sleep during the procedure.

Procedure gallbladder removal

The doctor makes an incision in the upper right abdomen. The gallbladder will be separated from the surrounding structures, including liver, bile ducts, and arteries and cut off.

Thereafter, doctor using the syringe can enter the dye into the bile ducts. This may indicate, Do they have gallstones. The duct may be opened to remove the stones. As long as the patient's abdomen is left open, doctor will carefully consider the other organs and structures in the area of ​​operations. It will be done, To make sure, that the patient has no other problems. Then the incision is sutured closed with staples or stitches, and closed bandage.

The doctor may place a small, flexible tube in the region, where the gallbladder was removed. These drainage tubes used to drain any fluids, that can accumulate during the first few days after surgery. The tubes are typically removed within one week after surgery.

Immediately after removal of the gallbladder

Gallbladder investigated pathologist. The patient was sent to the House for restoration, to monitor the vital parameters.

How long will the removal of the gallbladder?

About 30-60 minutes.

Removal of the gallbladder – Will it hurt?

Probably, the patient feels pain after surgery. In this case, the doctor will prescribe pain medication.

The average hospital stay

2-6 days.

Caring for a patient after removal of the gallbladder

Care in a hospital

• The patient is monitored for detecting any problems encountered;
• You may need medicine for nausea;
• Sometimes inserted nasogastric, which is a tube, passing through the nose and throat into the stomach. The tube will help divert fluid and gastric juice. In this case, the patient's breast is accomplished by introducing nutrients intravenously;
• Once the patient is able to eat by mouth, He transferred to the liquid diet, which gradually becomes normal.

Home Care

Recovery will take about 4-6 weeks.

Upon returning home, you need to perform the following actions, to ensure the normal recovery:

• We need to ask your doctor about, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions;
• It will be a plan of diet and physical activity, to aid in recovery;
• The liver will take over the function of the gallbladder. Some people say the emergence of problems with the digestion of fatty foods, especially during the first month after surgery.

Contact your doctor after removal of the gallbladder

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding, or any discharge from the incision;
• Cough, breathlessness, chest pain;
• Increased abdominal pain;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Blood in the stool;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, which do not disappear after taking the prescribed medicines, and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Bloating and gas – If symptoms persist for more than one month;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination, blood in urine;
• Pain and / or swelling of the legs, calves and feet;
• Dark urine, bright chair, or signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).