Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The operation is done to remove the gallbladder due to gallstones causing pain or infection. Treatment could be by surgical procedure like LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY; here the gallbladder is removed with instruments placed into small incisions in the abdomen. Open cholecystectomy, the gallbladder is removed through an incision on the right side under the ribcage. Also a nonsurgical procedure like stone removal by endoscopy, for gallstones without symptoms. Finally watchful waiting for all patients, while increased exercise.
Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is indicated when the patient presents pain or symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) caused by obstruction that stones cause at the outflow of bile when the gallbladder contracts, that finally this organ becomes inflamed and manifests as pain in the right side (acute cholecystitis). Patients who present pain and improve can remain symptom-free for a couple of years (chronic cholecysitis), however eventually ALL PATIENTS need surgery and the longer the time passes, the risk of complications increases.
Home Medication Bring a list of all of the medications and vitamins that you are taking, including blood thinners, aspirin, or NSAIDS. Some medications can affect your recovery and response to anesthesia and may have to be adjusted before and after surgery. You can usually take your morning medication with a sip of water.
Anesthesia Let your anesthesia provider know if you have allergies, neurologic disease (epilepsy, stroke), heart disease, stomach problems, lung disease (asthma, emphysema), endocrine disease (diabetes, thyroid conditions), or loose teeth; if you smoke, drink alcohol, use drugs, including marijuana, or take any herbs or vitamins; or if you have a history of nausea and vomiting with anesthesia. If you smoke, let your surgical team know, and you should plan to quit. Quitting before your surgery can decrease respiratory and wound complications and increase your chances of staying smoke-free for life.
Length of Stay If you have a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you may go home the same day. You may stay overnight if you had an open cholecystectomy, a laparoscopic repair with a longer anesthesia time, severe nausea and vomiting after surgery, or you are unable to pass urine
Your Recovery and Discharge
Anesthesia or pain medication may cause you to feel different for 2 or 3 days, have difficulty with memory, or feel more fatigued. You should not drive, drink alcohol, or make any big decisions for at least 2 days.
Nutrition When you wake up from the anesthesia, you will be able to drink small amounts of liquid. If you do not feel sick, you can begin eating regular foods.
Continue to drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
Eat a high-fiber diet so you don’t strain while having a bowel movement.
Activity slowly increases your activity. Patients usually take 1 to 3 weeks to return comfortably to normal activity.
Persons sexually active before the operation reported being able to return to sexual activity in 14 days (average).
Work and Return to School. You may usually return to work 1 week after laparoscopic or open surgery, as long as you don’t do any heavy lifting. Discuss the timing with your surgeon. Typically, you are discouraged from lifting items heavier than 10 pounds or participate in strenuous activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks
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