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What Is Gallbladder Removal?
Gallbladder removal, also called cholecystectomy, is a standard surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac that stores bile, which is produced by the liver and bile helps the body digest fats. Gallstones, which are hard deposits of cholesterol or bilirubin, can form in the gallbladder and cause pain.
If you have gallstones or gallbladder disease, you may be recommended to remove your gallbladder. In most cases, the surgery is performed laparoscopically, which means that small incisions are made in your abdomen, and a lighted camera is inserted. Dr Ganesh then inserts surgical tools through other incisions to remove the gallbladder.
In some cases, open surgery may be necessary. Recovery from laparoscopic surgery takes about a week, while recovery from open surgery takes about two weeks. Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks after surgery and will be able to return to their normal activities within a week or so.
What Conditions Is Gallbladder Removal Used To Treat?
Several conditions can be treated with gallbladder removal. One of the most common reasons to have this surgery is to treat gallstones.
These hard deposits can form in the gallbladder and cause pain, inflammation, and other problems. In some cases, they can block bile flow from the gallbladder, leading to liver damage.
Other conditions that may be treated with cholecystectomy include:
- pancreatitis,
- cholangitis (inflammation or infection of the gallbladder), and
- biliary dyskinesia (a functional disorder of the gallbladder)
In most cases, this surgery is performed laparoscopically, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a camera to guide the surgeon. This minimally invasive approach results in less pain and quicker patient recovery time.