Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

Cholecystectomy is used in the treatment of gallstones, gallbladder polyps, and other inflammatory diseases that they may cause. This surgery, which can be performed using open surgery or laparoscopic surgery methods, is carried out while the patient is under general anesthesia. As part of the operation, the gallbladder is completely removed from the body. Today, the laparoscopic surgical method is considered the gold standard for gallbladder operations. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy operations, which provide significant advantages for both the patient and the surgeon compared to open surgeries, four minimal incisions are made in the patient's abdominal wall. With this surgery, performed under the guidance of a high-resolution camera, gallstones, gallbladder inflammations, and polyps can be successfully treated. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana, explained what laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is, why, and how it is performed for you.

What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Closed Gallbladder Surgery)?

Laparoscopic (closed) gallbladder surgery is the process of removing the gallbladder from the body using minimal incisions, special cameras, and surgical equipment, without the need for a large incision. The gallbladder is located just below the liver and is responsible for storing and secreting the bile fluid produced by the liver. Bile fluid aids in the digestion of fatty foods. It breaks down fats and helps the body produce energy from them. However, over time, gallstones can form in the gallbladder. These stones can cause blockages in the bile ducts. This leads to problems such as nausea, jaundice, severe abdominal pain, and inflammation for the patient.

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery causes much less trauma compared to open surgical methods. Minimal incisions, up to one centimeter in size, are made at several points. A camera and surgical equipment are placed inside the patient's abdomen for the surgery. During the operation, the surgeon monitors the procedure via a screen. This allows the gallbladder to be separated from under the liver and removed from the body smoothly and without errors.

Who Can Undergo Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is generally performed on patients experiencing problems such as gallbladder inflammation, gallstones, or gallbladder polyps.

When deciding on the surgical method, the patient's complaints, laboratory results, and ultrasound data are taken into consideration. The situations in which laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is applied are as follows:

• Patients experiencing symptoms such as frequent indigestion, abdominal pain, and nausea due to gallstones
• Patients suffering from gallbladder inflammation
• Patients with gallbladder polyps, especially those larger than one centimeter
• Cases with a risk of bile duct obstruction
• Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery can be applied to patients experiencing recurrent biliary colic and with a history of pancreatitis.

However, there are also cases for which laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is not suitable. For example, open surgery may be preferred for individuals who have undergone numerous previous abdominal surgeries, patients with severe adhesions, or patients with inflammation or tumors in the bile ducts. The surgeon performs the necessary examinations and tests before the operation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan according to the patient's needs and individual circumstances.

How Long is the Hospital Stay After Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?

After closed cholecystectomy surgery, patients generally need to be kept under observation in the hospital overnight. However, younger patients who do not experience complications and have no additional underlying conditions may be discharged from the hospital on the same day.

The operation can be completed within approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Patients can walk a few hours after the surgery. At this stage, the patient needs to consume liquid foods. Many patients can return to their normal lives within three to five days and start work after one week. This period is extremely short compared to surgeries performed using open surgical methods. The recovery period required for gallbladder surgeries performed using open surgical methods can be between 2 to 4 weeks.

What are the Risks of Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are certain risks associated with laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. However, we can state that these risks are much lower compared to open surgeries. When performed by experienced and expert surgeons, the probability of complications is around one percent. Possible risks that may occur in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries are as follows:

• Bleeding and infection
• Bile leakage
• Bile duct injury
• Injury to intestines or blood vessels
• Need for conversion to open surgery
• Anesthesia-related risks

Generally, closed cholecystectomy surgery is a safe and successful treatment procedure. The comfort it provides to patients makes laparoscopic cholecystectomy a more attractive treatment option.

What Should Be Considered After Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery?

The period after the operation often progresses quickly and comfortably. However, there are some points to consider to accelerate, support the healing process, and prevent complications. If we need to examine them one by one:

Nutrition

• On the first day after the operation, patients should consume light and liquid foods. Gradually, they can transition to easily digestible and low-fat foods.
• It is necessary to stay away from fried and fatty foods, and foods that are difficult to digest as much as possible.
• Over time, the body adapts to bile flow. At this stage, normal eating can be resumed.

Pain Control

Patients may experience slight pain or tension in the shoulder area. The main reason for this is the use of carbon dioxide gas during the surgery. These pains usually subside within a few days.

Pain complaints can be controlled by regularly using the painkillers prescribed by the doctor.

Wound Care

In laparoscopic surgeries, there are four to five minimal incisions. These surgical areas must be kept clean and dry after the operation.

Bathing can be done after forty-eight hours.

Physical Activity

• The patient can stand up a few hours after the operation.
• However, during the first week, sudden movements should be avoided, heavy exercises should be refrained from, and heavy lifting should not be done.
• But after one or two weeks, the patient can return to their normal daily life pace.

Follow-up Examination

• A follow-up appointment is scheduled within 10 days after patients are discharged.
• During the follow-up appointment, the doctor evaluates the patient's healing process and the stitch sites.

In Conclusion

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is an effective, safe, and modern solution for the treatment of gallbladder diseases. A large number of patients can resume their normal lives shortly after the surgery. Pain complaints are minimal and can be easily controlled with painkillers. Since the incisions are small, the surgical scar is also small. The healing process is rapid. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the chances of success are high, and the risk of complications is low.

Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy) Prices

The prices and costs of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery are determined by the clinic's technological equipment, the surgeon's expertise and experience, additional services, and the nature of the operation. To get up-to-date and clear information about the prices and costs of laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery, you can contact Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana.