It is the most common surgical method used in gallbladder-related diseases. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is performed through small incisions made in the abdominal area. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a camera at the end. It allows the surgeon to see the organs in the abdomen on the monitor.
Who is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery Suitable for?
Surgery is a minimally invasive method used to treat problems with the gallbladder. It is generally suitable for patients suffering from chronic or acute gallbladder disorders. However, the suitability of this method depends on the patient's general health condition. At the same time, the characteristics of the disease may also be effective in choosing the method. Gallstones are one of the most common reasons requiring laparoscopic surgery. When stones form in the gallbladder, they can block the bile duct. It can cause severe pain, nausea and digestive problems. People with complications related to gallstones are often ideal candidates for this surgery. Recurrent gallbladder inflammation requires surgery. Additionally, loss of gallbladder function may also be a suitable reason for surgical intervention. The laparoscopic method is generally preferred in patients with good general health. Elderly patients or those with other serious health conditions should be evaluated for surgical risks. In cases such as pregnancy, the timing and method of the surgery are planned carefully. It can be applied in cases such as obesity, advanced age, presence of infection or serious intra-abdominal adhesions. In such cases, alternative methods should be considered. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is recommended depending on the patient's general health condition and the stage of the disease. Detailed medical evaluation is important in determining whether it will be safe and effective.
How is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery Performed?
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive method. It is usually performed under general anesthesia. During the intervention, small incisions are made in the abdominal area. Special surgical instruments are used. Thanks to these tools, the gallbladder is removed. At the beginning of the surgery, the patient is put to sleep with general anesthesia. Then, the surgeon makes a small incision of approximately 1 cm around the belly button and inflates the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas. This procedure makes it easier for the surgeon to see and operate the organs more clearly. The laparoscope is then inserted into the abdomen through the incision around the umbilicus. A laparoscope is a thin tube with a camera at the end. It allows the surgeon to view images inside the abdomen on a monitor. Then, several smaller incisions are made in other parts of the abdomen and special surgical instruments are inserted from there. Using these instruments, the gallbladder is carefully separated. The main bile duct and vessels of the gallbladder are cut and securely tied. During this procedure, care is taken with precision to prevent bleeding and complications. The gallbladder is removed. It is then closed with stitches or adhesive tapes. The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours. The patient is discharged on the same day. If he is not discharged, he will stay in the hospital for 1 night. It causes less pain compared to open surgery. Additionally, this method results in faster healing and smaller scars.
After Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
The recovery process after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is usually quick and comfortable. Since it is a minimally invasive method, the patient can usually return to normal life in a short time. However, there are some important points to speed up the healing process. Additionally, these points must be taken into consideration to prevent complications. After the surgery, the patient wakes up within a few hours. He may be discharged on the same day. In some cases, you may be kept under observation in the hospital overnight. During the first few days, complaints such as mild abdominal pain, tenderness and gas pain may be observed. These conditions are caused by carbon dioxide gas introduced into the abdomen during surgery and resolve spontaneously in a short time. In the postoperative period, patients are usually prescribed painkillers and antibiotics. Hygiene should be taken into consideration to prevent the incision areas from becoming infected. Dressing should be done as recommended by the doctor. The incision areas should be kept clean and dry. Heavy lifting should not be done. Intense physical activities should be avoided. Regarding nutrition, light foods should be preferred in the first days after surgery. Over time, the patient can return to his normal diet. However, it is recommended to avoid fatty and heavy foods. Since the liver will continue to secrete bile even without the gallbladder, the body usually adapts to this change easily. As a result, the recovery process after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery goes smoothly. This process occurs quickly if the doctor's instructions are followed.