Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)

Overview

The gallbladder plays a crucial role in the digestive system by storing bile, a liquid produced by the liver that aids in breaking down fats. Over time, the components of bile can crystallize, leading to the formation of gallstones. While many individuals with gallstones do not experience any symptoms, others may suddenly encounter severe pain, known as biliary colic, which is indicative of a gallstone attack.

Why?

When symptoms develop, the most effective definitive treatment is gallbladder removal surgery. Without treatment, these crystallized gallstones may obstruct the bile duct, preventing bile from flowing from the gallbladder, or from the liver if the stone is lodged in the common bile duct,, into the digestive system. This blockage can lead to cholecystitis, an inflammation of the gallbladder, typically accompanied by intense pain. Furthermore, gallstones can migrate further in the biliary system (or further within the bile ducts) and affect the liver, pancreas, and intestines, which can result in additional discomfort and complications.

Any surgical procedure, including diagnostic surgery, carries risks. For a cholecystectomy these typically include:

Your surgeon will discuss all of the risks relevant to your circumstances before your procedure. 

What to expect prior to your surgery

The decision to administer antibiotics before surgery is influenced by the patient's overall health and the potential risk of infection. Preoperative blood tests, which are routinely conducted before various surgeries including cholecystectomies, help assess the patient's general health and identify any conditions that might complicate the procedure.

Before your laparoscopic surgery, a nurse or doctor will plan the site, clean the affected area, and consult with you for any questions you may have. General anesthesia will then be administered under the supervision of an anesthesiologist and your surgeon.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes one to two hours to perform, depending on the complexity of the condition. Typically, your doctor will discuss with you how long this minimally invasive surgery should last. 

The Procedure - Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

There are numerous ways to surgically treat a gallbladder removal. At Clinique Michel Gagner, we perform laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery. In this laparoscopic procedure, you will be put under general anesthesia, your abdomen will be inflated, and surgical instruments will be inserted through small incisions. The surgery will be performed through the use of a laparoscope - an instrument with a tiny video camera that live streams to a television, which the surgeon uses to spatially map your abdomen, and gives them a close-up view of your organs.

Using special surgical tools, your surgeon will remove the gallbladder. Once this is done, the team will close the incision sites with stitches or surgical glue.

After the procedure

Recovery time for a cholecystectomy will vary, but you should feel back to normal within a few weeks. Residual pain may last up to a week after surgery or longer. As with recovery from any general surgery procedure, it is important to keep the incision area clean and dry to avoid the possibility of infection. Itchiness or soreness is common, however let your doctor know if you experience swelling or excessive pain.

On the day of your surgery, it's important to have pre-arranged transportation to ensure you get home safely. We also advise having someone available to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery. Once you're discharged, we recommend dedicating the rest of the day to rest and recovery, refraining from any additional activities. From the day after your surgery, you may gradually resume activities based on your comfort level.

Post-surgery, you will likely receive a prescription for pain management. A recovery nurse will discuss a personalized pain control strategy with you, tailored to meet your specific needs. This plan may include applying ice to the incision sites and a regimen of pain relief medication. Commonly, we suggest a combination of over-the-counter options like Tylenol, Advil (or generic ibuprofen), and Aleve, which may be used alongside prescribed pain relievers.