What is a gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a storage tank for bile, which is created in the liver and secreted into the intestine to help your body absorb the fat in foods you eat. It is stimulated by a meal and in turn squeezes to release an extra bile for aiding in digestion.
Who is most at risk for gallstones?
Women are at higher risk for gallstones than men because the pregnancy predisposes women to get stones. Individuals with high cholesterol are also at risk for gallstones.
Are gallstones dangerous?
They can be dangerous in patients where the stone causes serious problems involves the complications of the liver and the pancreas. Individual having symptoms from gallstones can be evaluated for the surgery. The patients who have diabetes and the gallstones are at higher risk of infection and some surgeons asks to undergo surgery regardless of the symptoms.
What are the symptoms from gallstones?
The typical gallbladder symptoms include the pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen often in the middle or just under the ribs on the right side. In some cases, the pain or discomfort can be felt in the back as well. Some patients have vomiting or nausea and feel indigestion after eating.
When should I see a surgeon for gallstones or gallbladder pain?
If you experience any of the above symptoms and you have been diagnosed with gallstones, then you should see a surgeon for evaluation.
Do I need any special x-rays?
Most patients need an ultrasound, which is an inexpensive test without radiation. Additional testing for diagnosing the gallstones is rarely required and if necessary, your surgeon will ask it.
Should I follow a special diet if I have gallstones?
If you are diagnosed with the gallstones due to symptoms from gallbladder then you should follow a special diet. It is important to avoid fats since the gallbladder helps with its digestion. The physicians suggest the patient to go for a low fat diet before the surgery.
What is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?
A laparoscopic gallbladder surgery involves small incisions in the abdomen which allows insertion for the long, thin instruments to do perform the same kind of surgery, which is done through 6-12” long incisions. The laparoscopic gallbladder surgery has now become the standard for caring the gallbladder, colon, appendix and any other abdominal operations. During this surgery, four small holes are made and the gallbladder is removed from the belly button.
Is gallbladder surgery safe?
Yes, the gallbladder surgery is safe and most patients can go home right after the surgery.
What should I expect on the day of my laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?
The patient will be required to come to the hospital about 90 minutes before the surgery and then you will be taken to the surgical center. You will need to change into an appropriate gown for the operating room and an intravenous (IV) will be started. You will meet the nurses and the anaesthesiologist. The doctor will stop by to meet the patient and his family member or relative, whoever has accompanied you and give you time to ask your questions regarding the surgery. The laparoscopic gallbladder surgery takes around one to 1.5 hours and after completion you will need to spend about two hours recovering.
What should I expect after my laparoscopic gallbladder surgery?
Most patients who undergo this surgery are able to return back to the work about one week after their gallbladder surgery. You can resume the normal exercises two weeks after the surgery. Since the gallbladder is important for digesting the fats, therefore it is significant to stay on a low fat diet for the first few weeks post surgery. Over time, your body will adjust and you can typically eat what you want. However, you should slowly add the fatty foods to the diet otherwise you may have loose stools, feel crampy abdominal pain and gassiness.
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