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The Laparascopic Gallbladder
Surgery Procedure
The
gallbladder is a small organ whose function is to store
and release bile, which is a digestive fluid secreted
by the liver. Bile performs the critical function of
breaking down fats so they can be absorbed by the digestive
tract.
Gallbladder
removal surgery is called for when gallstones have formed,
blocking the flow of bile and leading to attacks that
can cause severe pain and discomfort.
Traditional
Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder surgery used to involve
a large, open incision, 3-4 days in the hospital, and
a slow and painful recovery period of about 4-6 weeks.
In traditional surgery, known as “open cholecystectomy”,
an incision is made just below the ribs on the right
side of the abdomen. The liver is moved to expose the
gallbladder. The vessels and ducts to and from the gallbladder
are cut and tied off, and the gallbladder is removed.
The patient is under general anesthesia for the procedure.
Open or traditional gallbladder surgery provides a better
view of the anatomy than laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic
Gallbladder Surgery
With the invention of the laparoscopic procedure in
1989, the surgery can now be performed through several
small openings, can be completed in one to three hours,
and has a much shorter recovery time.
During
a laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, a tube carrying
a video camera is inserted through an incision in the
navel. The surgery is then performed under the guidance
of this camera. Tiny instruments are used to cut and
clip the ducts and arteries attached to the gallbladder
and to remove the gallbladder from the body.
The
challenge in performing the surgery correctly is for
the surgeon to properly identify each duct on the television
camera and be sure he or she is cutting and clipping
the proper one. Mistakenly cutting, clipping or nicking
the common bile duct rather than the cystic duct can
lead to dire consequences, as can nicking or cutting
adjacent organs.
In
a normal procedure, the steps in the process include:
•
Administration of general anesthesia to the patient.
• After the patient is anesthetized, the abdomen
is inflated with carbon dioxide to create enough space
that the surgeon can both see and maneuver inside
the abdominal cavity.
• Next, four tiny incisions are made, including
one in the naval.
• A laparoscope is then inserted, which is attached
to a camera, allowing the doctor to see inside the
abdomen and identify the ducts and organs.
• Using the camera and screen as a guide, other
instruments are inserted through the other incisions.
These instruments are used to close off the ducts
and blood vessels with small metal clips.
• The gallbladder is then separated from the
liver and from the ducts and arteries running to it.
• The gallbladder is drained of all fluid through
the naval opening and is then removed through that
incision.
• Finally, the carbon dioxide is removed from
the abdomen and a few quick stitches close the incisions.
• The procedure usually lasts about an hour
to an hour and half.
Performed
properly by a skilled and experienced surgeon, this
procedure is safe, effective and cuts hospital time
and recovery time significantly.
Improperly
performed, this surgery entails serious — and
even fatal — risks.
Read
More
The
Procedure
I Risks
& Consequences
I Precautions
I Studies
For
a free, no-obligation consultation about your laparoscopic
gallbladder surgery case and the complications, treatment
or possible medical malpractice claims, lawsuits or
settlements, contact one of our laparoscopic
gallbladder surgery attorneys.
The content provided on this website
about laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is provided by
the laparoscopic gallbladder surgery
attorneys at the Trief & Olk law firm. It is
intended for informational purposes only and should
not be taken as formal legal advice nor does the use
of this web site constitute a client attorney relationship.
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