How gallbladder removal surgery is an effective solution for pain?

Gallbladder removal surgery- An effective solution for pain

Gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy, is an operation in which the gallbladder is removed from the body. Surgeons recommend cholecystectomy to patients because it is an effective solution for pain due to gallstones and other problems without a lengthy stay at the hospital. Furthermore, the surgical and healing timeframe dramatically reduces when surgeons perform a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique instead of open cholecystectomy.

Gallbladder and its function

The gallbladder is a small organ below the liver. Its primary function is bile storage. The liver produces bile, which breaks down fats, and the gallbladder stores it. The liver releases bile when we eat a meal containing fat that needs to be digested. Digestion can happen without a gallbladder. After this surgical procedure, bile reaches the small intestine but is not stored in the gallbladder. So, as it aids digestion, living without it does not change a patient’s quality of life. But after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patients must change their diet according to the doctor’s advice.

Why do you need cholecystectomy?

Healthcare professionals recommend a cholecystectomy to treat gallstones and their complications. The surgeons usually recommend this procedure if you have the following health issues:

Gallstones

If the gallbladder doesn’t empty, the contents of bile, such as cholesterol or calcium salts, thicken from staying inside the gallbladder for too long. They eventually become gallbladder sludge, also known as gallbladder sludge. It is not a common problem, but specific individuals have a higher risk of developing gallbladder sludge. The gallbladder sludge can thicken further to form rock-like things known as gallstones.

Gallstones are hard deposits of bile material that lodge in the gallbladder and bile ducts. It can be as tiny as a grist of sand or as big as a golf ball. Gallstones can also cause acute or chronic gallbladder inflammation, sometimes with painful infections. Therefore, gallbladder removal surgery is an effective solution for pain.

Biliary dyskinesia

This is a functional gallbladder disorder and affects the motility of the gallbladder. It is difficult for doctors to tell the exact cause, but in any case, the gallbladder cannot eject enough bile in Biliary dyskinesia.

Choledocholithiasis

This occurs when gallstones migrate into the common bile duct, causing a blockage that prevents the gallbladder and the rest of the biliary system from emptying.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is swelling of the gallbladder that causes severe pain, tenderness over the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting.

Gallstone pancreatitis

It is a disease of the pancreas that causes inflammation and pain. Pancreas is a small organ that makes enzymes to break down food and is a part of the digestive system. Sometimes, a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct and causes pancreatitis, known as gallstone pancreatitis.

Therefore, doctors suggest gallbladder removal if it gives rise to acute severe problems or has become a chronic problem. Some symptoms that may indicate the need for cholecystectomy include sharp pain in the right upper quadrant, which may radiate to the middle of the abdomen, right shoulder, or back. Your doctor may recommend waiting to see if gallbladder-related symptoms subside. Dietary changes, such as low fat intake, can also help. However, if the problem continues, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Gallbladder surgery procedure

Before surgery, you will undergo many tests to ensure that you are healthy for surgery. This includes blood tests and imaging tests of the gallbladder. Additional imaging may be necessary depending on medical history, such as chest X-ray or ECG.

Moreover, tell your doctor if you take any medications, including over-the-counter and dietary supplements, during these appointments. The specific medicine can obstruct the procedure. You may need to stop taking it before laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. Your surgeon will give you comprehensive instructions on the best preparation for your surgery.

While performing cholecystectomy, the surgeons use general anesthesia. They give anesthesia drugs through veins in the arm. Once the drugs start to take effect, the healthcare staff insert a tube down the patient’s throat to help them breathe. Afterward, the surgeon performs the cholecystectomy with either a laparoscopic or open surgical procedure.

How is laparoscopic cholecystectomy an effective solution for pain?

In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes four small incisions in the patient’s abdomen. Then they insert a tube with a tiny camera through one of the incisions. Through the camera, the surgeons see the inside of the stomach on a monitor while removing the gallbladder. In the next step, the surgeon sutures the incisions. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes about one or two hours. On the other hand, during an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes a 6-inch long cut in the patient’s abdomen below the ribs on the right side. And pull the muscles and tissues to reveal the gallbladder and removes it.

However, the Laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure is not recommended for everyone. Sometimes, the surgeons may begin the operation with a laparoscopic approach but switch to open surgery because of scar tissue from previous surgery or complications.

Patients often go home the same day after the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but sometimes a one-night stay at the hospital is required. Generally, patients can go home once they start eating and drinking without pain and walk without help. It takes about a week to recover fully.

What are the ways to prevent post-surgery complications?

• Walk around often to avoid blood clots.
• Drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
• Do not lift more than 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks.
• Wash your hands before and after touching the area around the incision.
• Change bandages as directed.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that may rub in opposition to the incision.

Are you looking for an effective solution for pain with gallstones?

There may be right or centre abdominal discomfort if you have gallstones. In some instances, the pain may radiate to the back or the area around the right shoulder. As a bonus, a high-fat meal may make the discomfort worse. Therefore, gallbladder removal surgery is an effective solution for pain. Moreover, Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a significant operation in Pakistan, although it is often a safe and successful procedure for both adults and children. Due to recent medical advancements, returning to normal activities may be less difficult than you anticipate. Furthermore, the affordable gallbladder surgery costs in Pakistan make it approachable for every individual. This often depends on the equipment, the patient’s condition, the hospital, and the treating physician.