Gallbladder issues can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. If you’re looking for Gallstone Surgery North Shore, the more you know about the procedure, the better.
Gallstones are hardened deposits that can form in the gallbladder. If they block the bile duct, it can cause a range of health problems, such as inflammation, jaundice, and severe pain. Usually, the first course of treatment is medication and lifestyle adjustments. But sometimes, the only solution is surgery.
During a gallstone surgery, a surgeon removes the gallbladder. Fortunately, the procedure has a high success rate and is minimally invasive.
There are two types of surgery to remove gallstones:
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy – This is the most common procedure to remove the gallbladder. During the surgery, the surgeon will make several small incisions in your abdomen and insert a laparoscope, which is a long, thin instrument with a camera on the end. The camera allows the surgeon to see inside your body without making major incisions. Then, the surgeon will use other surgical instruments to remove the gallbladder through the incisions. Most people can go home the same day or the next day after the procedure.
- Open Cholecystectomy – This is a more invasive procedure, and it’s usually only done if laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not an option. During open cholecystectomy, the surgeon will make a large incision in your abdomen to remove the gallbladder. Recovery time for this procedure can take longer than laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Doctors and surgeons will determine what type of surgery for Gallstone Surgery North Shore based on the size of the gallstones, how many there are, and how much inflammation there is.
Before the Surgery
Before surgery, the surgeon will ask for some medical information and perform tests to assess your overall health. Depending on your medical history or other health concerns, the surgeon may order specific tests, such as an electrocardiogram EKG or blood tests, to ensure your safety during the procedure. The surgeon may also ask you to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery.
During the Surgery
If you’re having laparoscopic surgery, you may be under general anesthesia. In that case, you’ll be asleep throughout the entire procedure.
If you’re having open cholecystectomy, you may receive either general anesthesia or a combination of general anesthesia and a regional anesthetic. During regional anesthesia, you’re awake, but the entire area being operated on is numb.
After the Surgery
After the procedure, you will need to rest and recover at home for a few days. Recovery time depends on the type of procedure you had, your overall health, and other individual factors. You may feel sore or uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure.
Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for yourself. They may also prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, or other medications to help with the recovery process. You’ll need to avoid driving and heavy lifting for a few weeks after surgery.
The good news is that removing the gallbladder doesn’t have any adverse effects on your overall health. The liver can still produce bile, which will just flow directly into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder.
To sum up, gallstone surgery is a safe and effective solution to manage gallbladder issues. The vast majority of patients return to normal activities within a few days. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gallbladder issues, it’s important to see a doctor right away. They can help assess the severity of your condition and recommend the best course of treatment, including Gallstone Surgery North Shore if necessary.
No Comments