Laparoscopic Surgery to remove the gall bladder

Laparoscopic surgery to remove the gall bladder is known as cholecystectomy. During laparoscopic surgery, a long, thin tube-like instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision that is made just under the navel. There is a tiny camera attached to the laparoscope, enabling the doctor to see the gall bladder on an external monitor. Three other small incisions are made in the upper right part of the abdomen, and the gall bladder is removed through one of them. The procedure typically lasts two hours or less, and you will need general anesthesia to undergo the operation.

In two out of ten laparoscopic surgeries in the United States, the surgeons need to switch to an open cholecystectomy due to unexpected bleeding, inflammation, or injury. During open cholecystectomy, the gall bladder is removed through a five to eight-inch incision in the abdomen. The incision is made below the right ribs and reaches just below the waist.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery for Gall Bladder Removal

Laparoscopic surgery holds many advantages over an open cholecystectomy because there is less pain after surgery, the hospital stay is shorter, and recovery time is shorter. Laparoscopic surgery to remove the gall bladder can be performed without cutting the muscles of the abdomen. The incisions are much smaller, so scars are much less noticeable.

After laparoscopic surgery for gall bladder removal, you will probably only be required to stay in the hospital for one night, whereas after open cholecystectomy, you will have to stay in the hospital for several days. Laparoscopic surgery can also be performed as an outpatient procedure.

Am I a Candidate?

Laparoscopic surgery is not appropriate for patients who have had upper abdominal surgery previously or who have certain pre-existing conditions. After performing a thorough medical evaluation, the doctor will determine whether or not you are a candidate for laparoscopic surgery.