GALLSTONE / GALL BLADDER SURGERY


above: Gallstones
click here for a detailed diagram of the abdomen

Description
Indications
How to make diagnosis
Benefits
Disadvantages
Details
*Operating time
*Hospital stay
*Potential Complications

        
pre-op diagram     post-op diagram
Please click on the above thumbnails for detailed diagrams

DESCRIPTION
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY
Involves the removal of the gall bladder and gall stones(usually) by laparoscopic surgery

INDICATIONS

1. Attacks of pain relating to gallstones (biliary colic)
2. Inflammation or infection of the gall bladder (cholecystitis, acute, or chronic)
3. Complicated gallstone disease (i.e. with jaundice, etc)

HOW TO MAKE THE DIAGNOSIS:
1. Symptoms, usually include severe PAIN (often colicky or cramp-like) in the right upper abdomen. This may be associated with:

· Fever, sweating, cold shivers
· Nausea
· Loss of appetite
· Jaundice (yellow skin, eyes)

2. Investigations include:

· X-rays
· Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
· Blood tests:
  - White Blood Cell Count
  - Liver Function Tests
  - C-reactive Protein

BENEFITS OF SURGERY
Surgery avoids potentially life-threatening illness such as gall bladder infection
It should permanently stop attacks of pain, and inflammation due to gall bladder disease

HOW WILL MY BODY FUNCTION WITHOUT A GALLBLADDER?
Patients should feel better without their sick gallbladder. The majority of patients do extremely well after surgery. They may also have more frequent stools

DETAILS
Anaesthetic: General Anaesthetic
Operation time: 20 - 90 minutes
Hospital stay: 1 - 3 days

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS
Injury to the common bile duct (i.e. the duct carrying bile from the liver) is the most dangerous complication.

This may be avoided by careful identification of the anatomy prior to removing the gall bladder. However, even in the best hands, there is a small risk of this injury. If injured, the bile duct needs to be repaired which may involve further operations, and may, rarely, be fatal.
See general complications of laparoscopic surgery

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