The gallbladder's role is to store bile before it is released into the digestive system during meals. Bile aids in fat absorption.
Diseases that may develop due to gallbladder stones
Gallstones that form in the gallbladder, but do not cause any problems, do not require treatment. On the other hand, stones that form in the gallbladder and sometimes in the bile ducts can lead to problems such as gallbladder inflammation, bile duct inflammation, bile duct obstruction (obstructive jaundice), and inflammation of the pancreas. As a result, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally fever may occur, indicating inflammation and severe infectious complications. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo gallbladder removal surgery even with minimal complaints.
Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal Surgery)
Cholecystectomy has been proven over the years to be the safest and most efficient way to treat diseases caused by gallstones. During the surgery, the gallbladder is completely removed, along with the stones inside it. There are two surgical approaches:
Open surgery - This is the traditional method of gallbladder removal, where an incision is made in the upper abdomen, and the gallbladder is cut out through it. The disadvantages of this approach include a large incision that requires extended hospitalization and management of immediate pain and other complications associated with a large incision in the long run.
Laparoscopic surgery - A method of gallbladder removal without a large incision and opening of the abdomen. In laparoscopic surgery, the abdominal cavity is inflated with gas (which is later absorbed), and a video camera is inserted. Additional small incisions are made to pass surgical instruments. Under direct vision and using these instruments, the gallbladder is separated from the liver tissue, blood vessels, and bile duct, and it is removed through one of the incisions.
In contrast to open surgery, the recovery after laparoscopic surgery is rapid, typically involving a one-day hospital stay. The level of pain is low since there is no large incision in the upper abdomen, and the incisions are very small compared to regular surgery. Most patients can return to work after a few days of rest at home.
In a small percentage of cases, technical difficulties during laparoscopic surgery may require converting to open surgery.
Complications during and after surgery are rare but may require different levels of intervention, ranging from short-term antibiotic treatment for surgical site infection to reconstructive surgery for bile duct injury during the procedure.
If gallstones are discovered in the bile duct during the surgery, an additional procedure can be performed to investigate and clear the bile ducts of stones. Alternatively, delayed intervention may be performed without requiring surgical action.