Gallbladder Removal

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in your gallbladder (see figure 1). They are common and can run in families. The risk of developing gallstones increases as you get older and if you eat a diet rich in fat.

Figure 1 - The position of the gallbladder

What are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

You should be free of pain and able to eat a normal diet. Surgery should also prevent the serious complications that gallstones can cause.

Are There Any Alternatives to Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

It is possible to dissolve the stones or even shatter them into small pieces but these techniques involve unpleasant drugs that have side effects and a high failure rate.

Antibiotics can be used to treat any infections of your gallbladder. Eating a diet low in fat may help to prevent attacks of pain.

However, these alternatives will not cure the condition and symptoms are likely to come back.

The Procedure

What Does the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Involve?

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour.

Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will insert surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen and perform the operation.

Your surgeon will free up your cystic duct and artery. They will separate your gallbladder from your liver and remove it.

What Complications Can Happen?

General Complications

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring
Developing a hernia in the scar
Blood clots

Specific Complications

Damage to structures such as your bowel, bladder or blood vessels
Developing a hernia near one of the cuts
Surgical emphysema
Leaking of bile or stones
Retained stones
Continued pain
Diarrhoea
Inflammation of the lining of your abdomen
Allergic reaction
Bile duct injury
Bowel injury
Serious damage to your liver
Tissues can join together in an abnormal way

Following surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home the next day.

You should be able to return to work after two to four weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and your type of work.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

You should make a full recovery and be able to return to normal activities.

Summary

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

To enquire about having a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at New Victoria Hospital, call 020 8949 9020 or fill out our contact form.

Acknowledgements

Author: Prof Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.