Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy has become the gold standard for gallbladder removal due to its numerous advantages over traditional open surgery. Explore these advantages in more detail in this article. (1)

What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? 

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the latest and most preferred surgical method for removing the gallbladder. This minimally invasive technique involves 3-4 small incisions, each about 0.5-1 centimeter, instead of the large 15-20 centimeter incision required for open surgery. (5)

Indications

Often, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended if you have gallstones accompanied by pain and symptoms that don't respond to other treatments. These symptoms may include: (2)

• Severe, sharp pain after eating, especially in the upper right abdomen.
• Indigestion (bloating, heartburn, and gas).
• Vomiting and nausea.

Surgery may also become necessary if the gallbladder isn't functioning properly, as in: Cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, gallstone pancreatitis, and gallbladder polyps. (2)

Risks

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe operation and usually carries only a small risk of complications. Common side effects include diarrhea for several days up to weeks. Rare complications that can occur include: (1)

• Adverse reactions to medications and anesthesia.
• Breathing problems.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Injury to nearby organs, bile leakage, and pancreatitis.

 Consult your doctor if you experience any problems. 

Preparation

Before undergoing gallbladder surgery, your doctor will: (3)

• Physical examination to assess your overall health.
• Order blood tests to check your blood count and liver function.
• Schedule imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to visualize your gallbladder.
• Discuss your medical history including allergies, medications, and previous surgeries.
• Provide pre-operative instructions regarding fasting, medications, diet, and other preparations.

Surgery Steps

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically takes about 1-2 hours, (4) and involves the following steps: (5)

• General anesthesia: Which means you will be asleep during surgery.
• Incisions: The surgeon will make 3-4 small incisions in your abdomen.
• Inserting the Laparoscope: A thin, lighted tube with a camera attached (laparoscope) is inserted through one of the incisions. This camera sends images of the inside of your abdominal cavity to a video monitor.
• Surgical Instruments: The surgeon will insert other specialized surgical instruments through the remaining incisions.
• Dissection of the Gallbladder: The surgeon carefully separates the gallbladder from the liver and surrounding tissues.
• X-ray (Sometimes): An X-ray called a cholangiogram may be performed after injecting a special dye to check for stones in the bile duct.
• Removal: The gallbladder is placed in a plastic bag and removed through one of the incisions.
• Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or surgical staples.

Recovery

How quickly you recover is quite individual. Usually, you will be discharged on the same day or the following day. (4)(5)

• Returning to Work and Activities: Most people can go back to their usual activity within a few days, however, full recovery might take 1-2 weeks.
• Pain Control: Common pain relievers obtained over the counter are usually sufficient. Stronger medicines may be prescribed if necessary.
• Follow-up Care: Ongoing follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to evaluate healing and any concern that may arise.

Always follow your doctor's instructions for recovery, and should you feel severe or increasing pain or other unusual symptoms, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Live Without a Gallbladder?

You can lead a perfectly normal life without a gallbladder. Your liver will continue to produce sufficient bile to emulsify your food, but instead of being stored in the gallbladder, it will be released directly into your digestive system. (2)

Is a Special Diet Needed After Surgery?

No special diet is required after gallbladder removal. However, to reduce diarrhea, which can occur in the first few days after surgery, your doctor may suggest limiting fat intake during the first few days, by: (6)

• Choosing low-fat foods and avoiding greasy or fried options.
• Gradually increasing fiber in your diet.
• Eating small, frequent meals.

Does Gallbladder Removal Cause Weight Gain?

No, removing your gallbladder won't make you gain weight. It's a common myth. What really affects your weight is how many calories you eat compared to how many you burn.

In fact, in the first few days after surgery, some patients may lose a little weight, usually due to a decreased appetite or cautious eating. However, this is not an effect of gallbladder removal, but rather part of the individual healing process. After full recovery, patients generally return to their normal eating habits. If they consume more calories than they burn, they may gain weight - just as they would have before the surgery. (7)

Which is Better: A Laparoscopic or Open Cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic surgery is typically preferred for gallbladder removal, as it involves: smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, shorter time off work, better cosmetic results, and lower risk of infection.

However, open surgery is necessary in certain complex cases (e.g., severe inflammation or previous abdominal surgeries with adhesions). (1)

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital 

Consult our skilled surgeons in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Centre at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital Riyadh. Book your appointment today.

References

1. Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal): Recovery & Complications, Cleveland Clinic
2. Gallbladder removal, NHS
3. Laparoscopic gallbladder removal, MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
4. Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), Mayo Clinic
5. Gallbladder removal - Recovery, NHS
6. Can you recommend a diet after gallbladder removal?, Mayo Clinic‍
7. Weight loss after gallbladder removal: Management and more , Medical New Today