Dear valued patient,
The purpose of this guidance is to provide you with information that will help you go through the hospitalization and recovery period in the best and safest way possible.
This guidance does not replace the explanation given by your doctor and does not substitute the surgical consent form.
The surgery you have been scheduled for is the removal of your gallbladder.
Background:
The gallbladder is located near the liver and its function is to store and concentrate bile, which helps digest fats from the food and absorb them into the body. Gallstones can form in the gallbladder due to changes in the composition of the bile, causing them to solidify.
When these gallstones cause symptoms such as pain, fever, or jaundice, it becomes necessary to undergo gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy). If there are gallstones present but they are asymptomatic ("silent gallstones") and are incidentally discovered, no treatment is required. While these surgeries are usually successful, like any surgery, there may be potential side effects or complications, as explained by the doctor.
The Procedure:
The surgery is performed using a laparoscopic approach under general anesthesia. In this method, only small incisions are made, without opening the abdomen. The advantage of this technique is a shorter healing time, less pain, and minimal scarring. Sometimes, there may be a need to switch to an open surgery approach.
Before the Surgery:
You will be asked to undergo blood tests, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) if necessary, as part of your hospital preparation. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, you will be asked to provide additional medical authorizations, such as a cardiology clearance and a letter from your primary care physician. Please bring all these documents to the preoperative clinic on the scheduled day.
In the Preoperative Clinic:
You will receive an appointment to the preoperative clinic through the department switchboard. (Telephone: 6666310) The preoperative clinic process takes several hours, so please plan accordingly. You will be examined by a surgeon, who will explain the nature of the surgery and ask you to sign the surgical consent form. You will be attended by a nurse who will measure your pulse, blood pressure, weight, and complete any missing tests and provide guidance. You will be seen by an anesthesiologist who will explain the purpose of anesthesia and have you sign the anesthesia consent form. At the end of the admission process, you will be allowed to return home. The preoperative clinic team will contact you by phone and inform you of the surgery date and admission time.
Hospital Department Structure:
The department has 52 beds. The patient unit includes a bed, a call bell for the nurse, a cupboard, and an en-suite toilet and shower.
Before the Surgery:
You will be asked to arrive for admission directly to the General Surgery department on the 8th floor, either on the evening before the surgery or on the day of the surgery, according to the instructions you receive by phone from the preoperative clinic. The department team will receive you and complete the surgery preparations. Please bring personal items such as toiletries, an upper garment, and slippers. Avoid bringing valuables, money, and jewelry. You are requested to take a shower, wear clean clothes, and remove nail polish and jewelry. Fasting instructions will be provided by the preoperative clinic team according to the surgery time.
The Day of Surgery:
Wear a hospital gown, including removing underwear. Medications for pain and sedation will be administered by the nurse, as prescribed by the anesthesiologist. These medications are intended to reduce the stress that may be caused by the surgery. At the designated time, an attendant will escort you to the operating room. Just before that, you will need to remove eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures, and hearing aids. All your belongings will be transferred to family members. If no family members are present, they will be handed over to hospital security personnel before entering the operating room.
After the Surgery:
You will be transferred to the recovery room, which is adjacent to the operating room. In the recovery room, you will be closely monitored by the staff to ensure that you wake up from anesthesia and the surgery goes smoothly. If you experience pain, you can request pain relievers or medication to reduce nausea and prevent vomiting. One family member may enter the recovery room with the nurse's supervision.
In the Ward:
Continuous monitoring will continue. You will receive pain relief medications either through intravenous or oral administration. The dosage will be adjusted based on the level of pain you report. If the dosage is not sufficient, please inform the nurse. Attention will be paid to your urine output. The first time you get out of bed after surgery will be assisted by a nurse. If there is a drain from the surgical area (if applicable), and its contents decrease, the drain will be removed gradually on the day following the surgery. You can gradually start eating from the evening of the surgery. Start with drinking water and progress slowly. If you have any special dietary requests, you can discuss them with the nurse during admission.
Returning Home:
Usually, the hospital stay is only one day, but it may be extended if needed. You will receive a discharge letter with recommendations for post-operative care in the community, along with a follow-up clinic appointment. For scheduling appointments, call 6555999.
Home Care Instructions:
You can resume regular activities, including driving and returning to work, after one week from the surgery day. It is essential to follow the treatment and follow-up guidelines stated in the discharge letter. Inform your community doctor about the surgery you have undergone. If you experience a body temperature above 38°C, local heat, redness, or discharge from the surgical wound, please contact your treating physician with the discharge letter. You can also consult with the department or go to the hospital's triage. Maintain maximum cleanliness of the surgical area by daily washing with water and soap. You will receive sick leave according to the doctor's recommendation.
For inquiries and questions, you can contact the General Surgery department at any time of the day at Tel: 02-6555769, 02-6555569.