Gall Bladder Removal

The surgery for the removal of the Gall Bladder is called a Cholecystrectomy. This surgery is carried out if there a person suffers from Porcelain Gall Bladder, Gall Bladder cancer, Biliary Dyskinesia or if medically untreatable gallstones are present. In most gallstone cases, the stones are dissolved with medication or completely shattered using ultrasonic waves.

The gallbladder is a non vital organ that aids the digestive processes. Unlike other digestive organs, the gall bladder does not secrete its own digestive fluids; instead it concentrates the bile fluid that is produced by the liver. The bile from the liver is stored in the gall bladder and becomes concentrated. This increases the potency of the bile and therefore it can dissolve and break down fats present in the digestive tract more effectively. The Gall Bladder also acts as a reservoir for bile. After a patient undergoes a Gall Bladder removal surgery, the bile from the liver trickles slowly and continuously into the intestine. The normal digestion processes can be adversely affected by this change.

There are two types of Cholecystrectomy:

1. Open Cholecystectomy: This is an older procedure that is not preferred due to its exceedingly invasive nature. Open Cholecystrectomy requires a 4- to 7-inch incision. Patients can take several weeks to recover from this surgery. The complications that can arise are biloma, infections and duct injury.

2. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This procedure has replaced the open cholecystectomy and is generally preferred unless there are contraindications or technical difficulties. Unlike the open cholecystectomy which requires a large incision, a Laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires four very small abdominal incisions. These incisions allow a small video camera and surgical instruments to be inserted and used within the abdominal cavity. This surgery requires great surgical skill and precision and is generally completed in under an hour.

This technique has been recently modified so that the entire surgery is performed through a 1/2-inch incision made in the bellybutton of the patient. This procedure is called the SILS or the Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery. This surgery has the shortest recovery period, minimal scarring and the least chance of infection.

After a Gall Bladder removal surgery, patients often experience indigestion as well as nausea and vomiting. Patients would be required to adhere to the prescribed low-fat diet for several weeks before they can go back to a normal diet. Fiber rich fords are recommended while Caffeine and alcohol are strictly prohibited. In cases of chronic diarrhea, a permanent diet change along with medication may be necessary.