GALLBLADDER LAPAROSCOPY

General Information

DEFINITION--Removal of the gallbladder with a laparoscope, a fiber-optic instrument that is used for diagnostic imaging and surgical procedures.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Gallbladder; bile ducts.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Treatment of gallstones.
• Acute inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Benign and malignant tumors of the gallbladder.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--General surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital, outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood studies, x-rays, ultrasound, radionuclide excretion scan (sometimes).
• During surgery: Video screen viewing; x-rays.
• After surgery: X-rays.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• A small incision is made near the naval and a small needle inserted to inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide to visualize the organs.
• Two to four small incisions are used to insert instruments to remove the gallbladder. The laparoscope is inserted and used to examine the abdomen visually.
• The gallbladder and the ducts running from it are located and separated; the gallbladder is cut away and removed.
• The laparoscope and surgical instruments are removed and the carbon dioxide is allowed to escape from the abdomen.
• Small sutures under the skin and an adhesive bandage are used to close the wounds.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Minor postoperative pain.
• Infection.
• Inadvertent injury to the bile duct.
• Unexpected findings such as adhesions, severe infection or inflammation may make it necessary to stop the laparoscopy procedure and use an open surgical procedure (see Gallbladder Removal in Surgery section).

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--1 to 2 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow 1 to 2 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve any incisional pain.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain. Avoid aspirin.

ACTIVITY

• Resume work and normal activity as soon as possible.
• Avoid vigorous activity for 6 weeks after surgery.

DIET---The use of a general anesthetic and abdominal surgery may require a liquid or soft diet for a few days. Your doctor will advise you if this is necessary.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical areas.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.