Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal: Advantages Over Open Surgery

Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal: Advantages Over Open Surgery

The gallbladder is a small, pear shaped organ in the abdomen and its main job is to store bile which is a fluid needed for digestion of fats. Bile is produced by the liver and hence, the ecosystem of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and the stomach and intestines is closely connected with various ducts and tubes. The gallbladder normally works very quietly and efficiently, but when gallstones are present and there is associated inflammation in the surrounding tissues, surgical removal becomes necessary. This organ can be removed by traditional open surgery or by using a laparoscopic, minimally invasive approach.

How Does Laparoscopic Surgery Differ From Open Surgery?

In laparoscopic surgeries, also called keyhole surgeries, multiple incisions which are less than a centimetre wide are used. For gallbladder removal or cholecystectomy, 4 incisions are made. Through one incision, the laparoscope is inserted, which helps the surgeon visualise the abdomen and the organs in greater detail. Then, specialised instruments are used to remove the gallbladder. The surgical procedure takes place in about 2 hours or less time. With the smaller incision and lesser chance of bleeding, recovery is faster with better healing too. The surgery is obviously done with general anaesthesia.

Benefits Of Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery-

The 4 main benefits of going for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy include-

• Smaller incisions and hence less noticeable scars after healing
• Better and quicker recovery
• Lesser risk of infections or bleeding at the incision site
• Lesser pain which means pain management medications don’t need to be used for a long time.

Laparoscopic Surgery Complications And Side Effects-

Some unwanted complications that may arise in some patients include-

• Anaesthesia related issues or reactions
• Infection of the urinary tract
• Bile may leak into the body cavity
• Infection or inflammation of the abdomen
• Injury to the bile ducts, liver or intestine, as they are located in close proximity to the gallbladder
• Hernias may form
• Bleeding is a very real possibility

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy recovery time is about 6-8 weeks if it is open surgery but less than a month with laparoscopic removal. Since the gallbladder itself gets removed, the liver will now make bile and send it to the small intestine directly via the bile duct. Following a proper diet is important afterwards as many people react poorly to foods high in fat. Talk to your doctor about how soon you can get back to your routine activities. Pain or nausea is very common after getting anaesthetised or having a gas pumped into your abdomen, but you will feel better in a couple days or sooner. So, don’t worry too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is laparoscopic gallbladder removal?

Minimally invasive surgical removal of the gallbladder using a laparoscope is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy in medical terms. Many tiny incisions are made on the abdomen and then the gallbladder is removed surgically with specialised instruments.

Is laparoscopic gallbladder removal less painful than open surgery?

Yes, as the incisions are much smaller in size (less than 1 cm in size) as compared to open surgery where the incision length can be about 5-7 cm. Laparoscopic surgeries are minimally invasive and hence cause less bleeding, recover faster and you don’t stay in the hospital for as long either.

What is the recovery time after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?

Initial recovery for small tasks can come up to 14 days, while complete recovery can take about 2 months or even longer in some cases. A low fat diet needs to be prioritised while you focus on recovery. Strenuous activities are no-go in this time period. You may deal with some pain immediately after the surgery due to the incisions or the gas that is used during surgery to help the surgeon visualise your abdominal cavity better. Once it gets out of your system, you will feel better.

Can laparoscopic surgery be done for all gallbladder problems?

Yes, a laparoscopic approach for gallbladder removal is in fact more preferred when compared to normal open surgery as it is minimally invasive, but it may not be the right choice for someone who is obese, or has had previous procedures done in the abdomen, has extensive scar tissue formation in the gallbladder or if the surgeon is not able to visualise the abdomen clearly with the laparoscope.

Are there any risks with laparoscopic gallbladder removal?

Risks are very low,  but being aware of them can help you make better decisions. Some common complications or risks include infection or bleeding at the incision site, bile leakage, temporary diarrhoea or constipation and long term issues like intolerance to fatty foods, dyspepsia etc.