subject: Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery [print this page] Laparoscopic gall bladder surgery refers to the removal of the gall bladder using several very small incisions. This procedure is quickly replacing the more traditional method involving one larger, more invasive incision.
About Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery:
While having laparoscopic gall bladder surgery patients are under general anesthesia. The surgeon conducting the procedure makes several extremely small incisions. One is at the patient's navel and the others are scattered around the upper, right side of the abdomen.
The surgeon then uses these small incisions to insert a light and camera which transmits a picture to a video monitor. The surgeon will use the camera/video monitor to guide his movements. The patient's abdomen is pumped with carbon dioxide in order to expand the area and provide the surgeon with a clearer view and room to access the area.
Once the surgeon clamps/cuts the bile duct and blood vessel he empties the gall bladder through the incision in the navel. Once the gall bladder collapses and is flat the surgeon removes it through an incision. The laparoscopic gall bladder surgery takes about one hour.
In order to successfully prepare for laparoscopic gall bladder surgery patients should follow a few tips that can increase chances for comfort during and after surgery. If a patient needs to take medication of any type on the day of surgery it should be taken with only a small sip of water. Any infections, colds or flus should be reported prior to surgery. Antibacterial soap should be used to wash the abdominal area both the night before surgery and the morning of surgery. Patients should wear comfortable clothes on the day of the surgery.
Other things to avoid the day of surgery include: jewelry, contact lenses, glasses, makeup, etc. Patients should bring a pillow with them and leave it in the car. This can greatly increase comfort on the ride home from the hospital.
Recovery From Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery:
There are risks associated with any surgery and laparoscopic gall bladder surgery is no different. The risks for this particular surgical procedure include: excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection or difficulty with anesthesia. Antibiotics may be administered through an IV by the surgeon as a preventive measure.
