Gallbladder surgery is usually performed to treat conditions such as gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Gallbladder surgery is usually performed laparoscopically, i.e. with the closed method. The laparoscopic method offers smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time, while open surgery is preferred for more complex cases.
What is Gallbladder Surgery?
Gallbladder surgery is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, called “cholecystectomy” in the medical literature. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located below the liver and serves to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver. Bile is a digestive fluid that helps digest fats.
Gallbladder surgery is usually done to treat conditions such as gallstones (cholecystolithiasis), inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), obstruction of the bile ducts, or polyps or tumors in the gallbladder. Gallstones are formed when substances in the bile crystallize to form stones, which can cause pain, infection or other serious complications. In such cases, surgical removal of the gallbladder is the most common treatment.
Gallbladder surgery is generally considered a safe procedure and the vast majority of patients can return to their normal lives quickly after surgery. However, as with any surgical procedure, this surgery can have some risks and complications. Therefore, patients should discuss the risks and benefits in detail with their doctor before surgery.
Removing the gallbladder does not completely disable the body's digestive system; the liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine. However, some patients may experience mild difficulties digesting fatty foods after surgery
Open Gallbladder Surgery
Open gallbladder surgery is a procedure in which the gallbladder is surgically removed through a large incision in the abdomen. This method is particularly preferred when the laparoscopic method is not possible or appropriate. Open cholecystectomy is a more traditional and invasive approach and is usually used in more complex cases or emergencies. If gallbladder inflammation (acute cholecystitis) is severe or has spread to surrounding tissues, open surgery may be preferred. If there are large stones blocking the bile ducts or damaging surrounding tissues, open surgery may be safer. If there is a suspicion of polyps or tumors in the gallbladder, open surgery offers a larger surgical field, allowing for a safer removal.
Open gallbladder surgery is performed under general anesthesia. A horizontal or oblique incision is made in the upper right part of the abdomen, usually under the ribs. The gallbladder below the liver is carefully separated and removed. Care is taken to protect the bile ducts, blood vessels and other surrounding structures during this procedure.
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure and involves removing the gallbladder through small incisions. This method was developed as an alternative to traditional open cholecystectomy and generally offers the advantages of less pain, shorter recovery time and minimal scarring.
Usually 3-4 small incisions are made in the abdomen under general anesthesia. A laparoscope (thin tube with a camera) and surgical instruments are inserted through these incisions. The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to help the surgeon see better. The laparoscope is used to visualize the gallbladder under the liver. After the gallbladder is removed, the surgeon checks the bile ducts and the abdominal cavity. They make sure there are no complications such as bleeding or bile leakage.
Before and After Gallbladder Surgery
There are some preparations that patients should make before gallbladder surgery. After the doctor's examination, the necessary tests are performed, the patient's medical history and medications are evaluated. Before surgery, it is usually recommended not to consume food and drink for 8 hours. This is important to prevent aspiration of stomach contents during anesthesia.
After surgery, there are some things to consider to speed up the healing process and prevent complications. After laparoscopic surgery, it is usually possible to be discharged the same day. In the case of an open cholecystectomy, the hospital stay can last up to several days. Mild to moderate pain can be expected after surgery. This pain is usually felt around the incisions. After the operation, a light diet is initially followed. First, liquids such as water, tea or fruit juice are recommended. Then light and easily digestible foods can be consumed. Fatty foods should be avoided, especially in the first few weeks, as they can cause stomach upset.
