Your doctor may recommend only lifestyle changes and medication to treat your gallbladder disease but if your condition continues to worsen or it has already worsened, a surgical operation to remove the gallbladder may be the only treatment option. Once you have decided to go for this operation, it is important to choose the right surgeon. The success of operation and lack of complications after the surgery depend on the skill and knowledge of the surgeon. Contact a gallstone surgery North Shore clinic for the surgical removal of your gallbladder. The surgeon will use specialized knowledge, skills and experience to perform this surgery. The surgeon will also advise you on preoperative and postoperative management.
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Most patients requiring this type of surgery now prefer laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder or gallstones. In this type of operation, several small incisions are made in the abdomen. A harmless gas in controlled amount is pushed inside to inflate the abdomen. A video camera called laparoscope with lighting is inserted through one incision. This camera is connected to an external video monitor which helps see all internal organs and move surgical instruments inside the abdomen. The surgeon relies on the visuals appearing on the monitor to perform this surgery. The surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions to remove the gallbladder.
Preoperative Diagnosis and the Surgical Procedure
Once your symptoms are diagnosed as caused by the gallbladder or gallstone problems, the doctor will decide if medication is sufficient or surgery is now necessary. An x-ray called intraoperative cholangiography that reveals the bile duct anatomy is done. The surgery itself takes about 2 hours. Sometimes it can take less time depending on the age, physical condition of the patient, and the type of surgery required. You will be under general anesthesia during this surgery.
The Gallbladder Disease
It covers all types of infections, inflammations, blockages or stones of the gallbladder. This organ is a little sac that stores bile made in the liver. The bile helps break up and digest the fat of foods. Some of the common gallbladder diseases include gallstones, inflammation, chronic acalculous disease, gangrene or abscesses, tissue growth, congenital defects, tumors of gallbladder or bile ducts, and sclerosing cholangitis. An intermittent pain near the upper right abdomen is the most common gallbladder symptom. It is a steady gnawing or gripping pain. There are other symptoms depending on the type of gallbladder problem affecting the patient.
If you experience any such symptom, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You do not have to live with this pain. Left untreated, this disease develops into a chronic condition that becomes complicated and difficult to treat. Its diagnosis may involve blood tests, ultrasound and imaging techniques. Contact a gallstone surgery North Shore clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder related issues.
