LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat gallbladder disease by removing the gallbladder with the aid of a laparoscope. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Almost routinely the patient returns home on the day of surgery with minimal associated discomfort. The procedure affords a return to normal activities considerably earlier than the traditional “open” gallbladder surgery.

Patients with gallbladder disease usually present with symptoms of indigestion, bloating, intolerances to certain foods, and pain or discomfort in the upper mid abdomen and right upper abdomen.

The decision to perform cholecystectomy is made after a sonogram or ultrasound of the gallbladder confirms the presence of gallstones, infection, or obstruction of the gallbladder.

The procedure begins by the surgeon making several very small incisions on the abdomen. The laparoscope, which is both a fiber optic light source and video camera, is actually a small tubular instrument which is inserted into the abdomen through one of the incisions. The other incisions are used for operating instruments. A small amount of carbon dioxide is used to temporarily inflate the abdomen for improved visualization with the laparoscope. The artery supplying blood and the duct or tube emptying the gallbladder are secured, and the gallbladder then removed. When indicated, the surgeon may elect to take an x-ray during the procedure to clarify that your remaining bile duct system is normal. Very complex problems may factor in and make the traditional or “open” type of gallbladder surgery necessary.