Gall Bladder Removal: Avoiding Complications

Consider yourself fortunate if you have only a mild gall bladder problem. You may only be required to take medications to break down gall stones. For some people, however, there is no other alternative than to go through gall bladder removal surgery. Why should this procedure be conducted and what is it like?
Gall Bladder Removal

Your doctor is the best judge of whether your gall bladder should be removed. Of course, he will typically avoid having to perform surgery if your condition can still be helped through alternative treatments. If he does decide on surgery, it may be because you have gall stones that are already blocking the ducts, or the gall bladder may be severely inflamed. In some cases, having severe gall bladder problems may result in infections of the organ and also the liver and pancreas. In some cases, an individual may develop gall bladder cancer.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

In the past, gall bladders could only be removed through a large, open, abdominal incision. The modern method only requires small incisions, a little over 5mm each, near the navel area. The gall bladder is removed using tools inserted through the incisions, and through the assistance of a laparoscope. This is a long thin tube with a camera at the tip which allows your doctor a good view of your gall bladder and other internal parts of your body. Once the gall bladder has been detached, it can be moved out through one of the incisions. The cuts are then closed with stitches that will dissolve on their own. This procedure is also called keyhole surgery.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Keyhole surgery is the preferred procedure for gall bladder removal. It is less invasive than open surgery, and often does not result in cutting abdominal muscles. Since there are only very small cuts, you may not experience considerable pain at all, and you may only be required to stay overnight. Recovery after surgery is also faster.

Open Surgery

For some patients, doctors may recommend the old open method for removing the gall bladder. This decision is often made because it is deemed safer due to certain circumstances. The lack of a clear organ view, obesity, and prior surgical operations are some of the possible factors that may influence your doctor’s decision to use open surgery. In this method, a five inch incision is made below your rib cage to remove the gall bladder.

Complications

Since keyhole surgery is less invasive than open surgery, it is also less likely to result in side effects. It is however, still a form of surgery. Like all surgical procedures, keyhole or open surgery to remove the gall bladder may have some unwanted side effects. Naturally, you may feel some pain and minor bruising. Sometimes, the side effects may be unforeseen. A patient may develop reactions to anesthesia, infections and bleeding. If your doctor is not careful, you might suffer from accidental organ punctures.

For some people, gall bladder removal is not a question. There may be no other alternative. It is very important, however, that you choose a doctor who has a good reputation and considerable experience to avoid possible complications.