Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgery used by general and laparoscopic surgeons as a result of gallbladder problems such as gallstones, inflammation and other problems. The gallbladder is located in the upper abdomen to the right below the liver. Its main function is to store the bile that the liver produces to digest food while it is in the intestines, the bile duct connects the gallbladder to the intestine.

General and laparoscopic surgeon can decide to remove the gallbladder because of a number of problems, including:

• Gallstones and its accumulation in the bile ducts causing obstruction and inflammation accompanied by pain, vomiting, nausea and other disturbing symptoms.
• Pancreatitis due to gallstones.
• Cholecystitis.

General and laparoscopic surgeon can decide to remove the gallbladder because of a number of problems, including:

• Gallstones and its accumulation in the bile ducts causing obstruction and inflammation accompanied by pain, vomiting, nausea and other disturbing symptoms.
• Pancreatitis due to gallstones.
• Cholecystitis.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may involve some complications, and although rare but they may occur, the most important are:

• Bleeding.
• Injury to the intestines or one of the main blood vessels during the insertion of tools to the abdomen.
• Leakage of bile.
• Infection.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy surgery is divided into three stages:

• Preparation of the patient:

The patient is required to stop taking certain types of medications he takes before a certain period determined by the surgeon, such as: blood thinners, aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; to avoid bleeding during the surgery.

In addition, the patient should stop smoking for nearly two weeks to improve the chances of healing, and stop taking any herbs or herbal supplements before the operation to avoid any complications during it.

A few hours before the surgery, the patient should refrain from food and drink. In addition, a medicine is given to help the patient to empty all bowel contents (in the form of a stool) in preparation for entry into the operating room and initiation of procedures.

• During the surgery :

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery includes:

1. Anesthetize the patient (general anesthetic).
2. Make four small incisions in the abdomen.
3. Insert surgical tools (camera and other tools).
4. Remove gallbladder -after separating it from the surrounding- through one of the small cuts.
5. Close the incisions with stitches and cover them with special medical tapes.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy usually takes about one to two hours.

• After the surgery:

The patient remains in the hospital for one night to monitor his condition, often feeling some pain at the site of incisions, in addition to a mild pain in the shoulders often disappear within 48 hours, he also experience nausea and vomiting which disappear after a day or two.The patient is given pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen; to relieve pain

After approximately one week of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patients may return to normal activities, preferably not to do strenuous physical activities during the first postoperative period to improve their chances of recovery.

Patients who have undergone cholecystectomy are advised to rely on fiber-rich food to avoid digestion problems, stay away from fatty food or try to eat them in small quantities.