Cholecystectomy-Delhi

A Cholecystectomy is mostly indicated in the case of gallstones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis) and its related complications. Gallstones are hardened deposits or stones that form inside your gallbladder, as a result of high cholesterol or bilirubin levels in the bile. Cholecystectomy is recommended in the case of:
● Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). It occurs when gallstones develop in your gallbladder, blocking the passage of bile.
● Blockage of the bile duct (choledocholithiasis). It occurs when gallstones block the small tubes that allow the passage of bile outside the gallbladder.
● Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). It occurs when the gallstones block the duct that leads to the pancreas.
● Polyps in the gallbladder. Non-cancerous growths that are seen in the lining of the gallbladder.

○ Your doctor will record your medical history and discuss the medications that you are currently taking. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any kind of medication.
○ You will be asked to stop medications such as blood thinners for a brief period before the procedure as it increases the risk of bleeding during and after the surgery.
○ Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and will ask you to sign an informed consent form that gives permission to perform the procedure.
○ The procedure is done under general anaesthesia and therefore you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 to 10 hours before the procedure. This helps avoid complications such as vomiting while you’re under general anaesthesia.
○ You will need to arrange for a friend or a family member to drive you home after the procedure.

○ You will need to remove any jewelry and your clothing and change into a hospital/theatre gown.
○ You will be asked to lie on an operation table and an intravenous (IV) line will be put in your arm or hand to administer general anaesthesia.
○ A tube may be inserted into your throat that will assist in breathing and your vital signs will be monitored.
○ The surgical site will be shaved and cleaned with a sterile solution.

● At The Hospital                                              
○ After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room, where you will be under observation.
○ Once your vital signs such as your blood pressure, pulse and breathing rate are stable and you are awake, you will be shifted to a regular room.
○ In the case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you might be directly discharged from the recovery room.
○ After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you will be advised to start walking on the same day, once you are stable. In case of open surgery, walking is advised on the next day. This will help prevent the formation of blood clots.
○ A follow-up visit will be scheduled, which is usually after 2 to 3 weeks.

● At Home                                                        
○ After reaching home you should take proper care of the incisions and keep the area dry and clean.
○ Avoid any strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects until you recover. You can continue walking and do other limited movements.
○ Drink lots of fluids and have a fibre rich diet so as to prevent dehydration and constipation.
○ Continue the medications as prescribed by your doctor, to prevent any pain or discomfort.
○ You can return to your normal activities within 7 to 10 days.
○ If the sutures are non-dissolvable, they will be removed during your follow-up visit.

Cholecystectomy is a safe procedure with minimal side effects or complications. However, like any other surgical procedure, there is a possibility of certain risks such as:
● Infection. Some individuals may develop an internal infection after the surgery. The possible signs of infection include pain, swelling, redness and drainage from the wound site.
● Bleeding. Though rare, bleeding from the site of the incision is one possible complication after the surgery.
● Bile leakage. Once the gallbladder is removed, occasionally the bile fluid can leak into the abdomen.
● Injury to the bile duct. Bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile outside the liver. There is a possibility that the bile ducts can get damaged during cholecystectomy.
● Injury to the surrounding structures. There is a chance of injury to the surrounding structures such as the intestine, bowel and blood vessels.
● Risks from general anaesthesia. Some may experience complications from anaesthesia such as breathing difficulty and other allergic reactions.