Cholecystectomy

What is a cholecystectomy?

Overview: A cholecystectomy is a surgical treatment that removes your gallbladder. Cholecystectomy is recommended if you have:

Gallstones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis)
Gallstones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis)
Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) due to gallstones

Gallbladder removal is most commonly performed by inserting a tiny video camera and special surgical tools through four small incisions to see inside your abdomen and remove the gallbladder – this is called laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In some cases, a big incision may be used to remove the gallbladder – this is called an open cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy is a pretty common surgery that only carries minor complications. You can ideally go home the same day of your cholecystectomy.

How do you prepare for cholecystectomy? (Preoperative)

You will be asked to shower the night before or morning of the operation.
Your doctor may suggest you to use an antibiotic soap
You will be advised when to stop eating and drinking before your operation, which is usually six hours for food and four hours for fluids.
You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines before your surgery, usually blood-thinning medicines like warfarin or aspirin.
You will be asked to undergo routine tests for assessing your health before surgery. These may include

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Coronary angiogram (to assess blood flow in your heart arteries)
Blood tests

What can you expect during the surgery? (During the operation)

A cholecystectomy is performed using local anaesthesia, so you won't feel anything during the surgery. Your health care team will insert a tube down your throat that will help you breathe. Your surgeon then performs the cholecystectomy either using either a laparoscopic or an open procedure. After the surgeon removes the gallbladder, the small incisions are closed with absorbable stitches or with surgical tape or glue. Once the gallbladder removal is done, you will be taken to the recovery room as the anaesthesia wear off. The recovery time varies depending on your procedure.

What can you expect after cholecystectomy surgery? (Postoperative)

A cholangiogram will be done to visualize the bile ducts after cholecystectomy

You may experience occasional loose stools after cholecystectomy, which resolves over time.
You may go home from the hospital the same day of surgery if you have undergone laparoscopic gallbladder removal.
You may be able to return to normal activities within a week’s time
You will be asked to come for follow-ups after 2-3 weeks after surgery

What are the potential risks involved with gallbladder surgery? (RISKS)

Gallbladder surgery carries a few possible risks including:

Bile leak
Bleeding
Blood clots
Heart problems
Infection
Pancreatitis
Pneumonia

The complications you face depends on your overall health and the reason for your cholecystectomy.

Lifestyle changes

You will be advised to take clear liquids for 1-2 days after the procedure to prevent nausea, vomiting and constipation
You will be advised to avoid eating fatty foods for about one month and eat low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast and yogurt.
You will be advised to avoid lifting heavy weights and gymming.

Key Terminologies:

Cholangiogram: A cholangiogram is a special x-ray procedure that is done with contrast media to visualize the bile ducts after a cholecystectomy

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