What Is Gallstone Surgery?
Removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic or open) to treat symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, or biliary colic.
Why Do I Need It?
Indications include:
- Recurrent biliary colic
- Acute or chronic cholecystitis
- Choledocholithiasis requiring bile‐duct clearance
How Should I Prepare?
- Pre-op Tests: LFTs, ultrasound.
- Fasting: NPO from midnight before surgery.
- Medication Review: Stop anticoagulants per protocol.
- Consent: Discuss risks of injury to bile ducts and conversion to open.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- Under general anesthesia, 3–4 small abdominal incisions for laparoscopic instruments.
- Gallbladder dissected and removed through a port.
- Common duct inspected; stones cleared if needed.
What Can I Expect Afterwards?
- Hospital Stay: Same day or overnight.
- Diet: Clear liquids to solids as tolerated.
- Activity: Resume light activity; avoid heavy lifting for 1 week.
Risks & Possible Complications
- Bile-duct injury (<1%)
- Bleeding or infection (1–3%)
- Bile leak (2–5%)
Seek immediate care for fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, or bile‐colored drainage.
Follow-Up
- Postoperative clinic visit in 2–4 weeks.
Review pathology if chronic cholecystitis or incidental carcinoma found.
