Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery & Recovery

Surgery can be a frightening prospect for any patient. Most patients fear not only surgery, but recovery as well. Many surgeries today, including gall bladder surgery, are performed laparoscopically.

Symptoms

• Gallbladder surgery may be necessary if you have gallstones or if your gallbladder is not functioning properly. The first symptom that most patients notice is pain, usually in the upper right abdomen just below the ribcage. You may also experience nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are worse after consuming a high-fat meal.

Function

• During laparoscopic surgery, the surgeon will make three or four small incisions in your abdomen. A laparoscope, which is a thin lighted tube that lets the surgeon see inside you without making a large incision, is inserted into one of the incisions. Medical instruments that allow the surgeon to hold, cut and remove the gall bladder are inserted into the other incisions.

Benefits

• Most laparoscopic surgeries are done on an outpatient basis. Laparoscopic surgery has less risk of complication. Also, recovery is easier and the overall cost of the surgery is less since there is no extended hospital stay.

Risks

• Laparoscopic gall bladder surgery is performed under general anesthesia. There are risks associated with anesthesia such as reactions to the anesthesia. Like all surgeries, the main risk associated with laparoscopic gall bladder surgery is the risk of infection. There is also risk of injury to adjacent organs.

Recovery

• You can usually go home from the hospital the same day or the next day. You will be given medicine to help manage your pain. You can usually resume a normal diet immediately. You can resume most of your normal activities within two to three days after the surgery.