The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that sits beneath the liver in the right-upper abdomen. Its function is to store bile. It is attached to the bile ducts that come from the liver. These ducts carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and intestine where the bile helps digest food. The gallbladder is not necessary to maintain good health.

Gallbladder Surgery

A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Using advanced laparoscopic technology, it is now possible to treat gallbladder disease by removing the organ through a tiny incision at the navel.

The technique is performed as follows:

1. The patient receives general anaesthesia.
2. Then a small incision is made at the navel and a thin tube carrying the video camera is inserted.
3. Next, two instruments are inserted. These instruments serve as tiny hands within the abdomen.
4. Finally, the gallbladder artery and bile duct are clipped and the gallbladder is removed. The entire procedure normally takes 30 to 60 minutes.

The three puncture wounds require no stitches and may leave very slight blemishes. The navel incision is barely visible.

Gallbladder Surgery Preparation

Before your departure, your records will be reviewed thoroughly by your surgeon. This may include CT Scans, MRIs, and blood work. After traveling to your country of destination, a new set of tests will be done as well as an in-person physical examination.

The doctor will perform a variety of tests to make sure you are healthy and fit for surgery. These usually include blood tests, chest x-rays, an EKG (electrocardiogram), and urinalysis. The doctor will also go through your medical and surgical issues with you.

Gallbladder Surgery Recovery

Most people typically stay in the hospital for 2 days or less after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, followed by a stay in a nearby hotel for 2-3 days. This is longer than the length of stay that you might normally encounter, providing you with the benefits of receiving excellent care during this period and ensuring that you are well along your way to complete recovery before your final release.

Patients usually resume normal daily activities within 24 hours and may return to work within a week. Heavy lifting and strenuous exertion should be avoided for a few weeks longer. After this recovery, there generally are no restrictions.