Laparoscopic gall bladder surgery refers to the removal of the gall bladder using several very small incisions. This procedure is quickly replacing the more traditional method involving one larger, more invasive incision.

More About Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery:

A laparoscopic gall bladder surgery is completed while the patient is under general anesthesia. It involves the surgeon making several (typically 4) very small incisions. One will be at the patient’s navel. The others will be scattered around the upper, right abdomen.

The surgeon then uses these small incisions to insert a light and camera which transmits a picture to a video monitor. The surgeon will use the camera/video monitor to guide his movements. The patient’s abdomen is pumped with carbon dioxide in order to expand the area and provide the surgeon with a clearer view and room to access the area.

The surgeon clamps/cuts the bile duct and blood vessel. The surgeon then empties the gall bladder through the opening at the patient’s navel. At this point the gall bladder collapses. when it is flat the surgeon removes it from the body through the incision. The entire process take approximately one hour.

In order to successfully prepare for laparoscopic gall bladder surgery patients should follow a few tips that can increase chances for comfort during and after surgery. If a patient needs to take medication of any type on the day of surgery it should be taken with only a small sip of water. Any infections, colds or flus should be reported prior to surgery. Antibacterial soap should be used to wash the abdominal area both the night before surgery and the morning of surgery. Patients should wear comfortable clothes on the day of the surgery.

Other things to avoid the day of surgery include: jewelry, contact lenses, glasses, makeup, etc. Patients should bring a pillow with them and leave it in the car. This can greatly increase comfort on the ride home from the hospital.

Recovery From Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery:

There are risks associated with any surgery and laparoscopic gall bladder surgery is no different. The risks for this particular surgical procedure include: excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection or difficulty with anesthesia. Antibiotics may be administered through an IV by the surgeon as a preventive measure.

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