Removal of the gallbladder: how to choose?

Removal of the gallbladder , or cholecystectomy, is one of the most effective ways of treating cholelithiasis, its complications and some other diseases. Depending on the characteristics of the disease and the patient's condition, the doctor chooses one of two methods - laparotomy (traditional open surgery) or laparoscopy (a minimally invasive operation). Let's consider what each of these methods is and what are their advantages.

What is laparotomy?

Laparotomy is a traditional surgical operation to open the abdominal cavity. Removal of the gallbladder by the method of laparotomy is called traditional cholecystectomy . The procedure is performed using general anesthesia through a 3-5 cm incision along the anterior abdominal wall. During surgery, the surgeon removes the gallbladder, then sips the vessels and the surgical wound.

The advantage of this procedure is that a large incision allows you to visually and palpatorically assess the condition of the organ. An open operation to remove the gallbladder also usually takes less time than minimally invasive procedures, which often plays an important role. Also, this method avoids increased pressure in the abdominal cavity, which can complicate the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

At the same time, traditional cholecystectomy has its drawbacks , among which is greater trauma and a longer period of rehabilitation. Recovery after cholecystectomy lasts about two weeks, but the patient should stay at home for a month.

What is laparoscopy?

There is also a more gentle method of gallbladder removal - laparoscopic cholecystectomy . This procedure does not require a large incision, the removal of the gallbladder is done through small punctures of no more than 1, 5 cm in the anterior abdominal wall, into which special instruments are inserted. Usually 2-4 punctures are required for the operation. In one of the holes is introduced an optical system - a laparoscope, which transmits the image to the monitor screen. All other actions are carried out with the help of microscopic instruments, which allow to perform the operation, practically without injuring surrounding tissues.

Recovery after laparoscopy of the gallbladder takes no more than two weeks, and the discharge is usually done no later than five days after the procedure. The main advantage of minimally invasive surgery is the almost complete absence of scars and minimal risk of complications. As a rule, after this procedure, patients have almost no pain. Among the shortcomings of laparoscopy can be identified limited movements of the hands of the surgeon, as well as increased pressure in the abdominal cavity.

What to expect after removal of the gallbladder?

Many patients who have an operation to remove the gallbladder are interested in how this procedure will affect their future lives. The good news is that the absence of this organ will not affect the process of digestion, since the body has the ability to adapt to new conditions. Patients do not even have to adhere to a strict diet: it is only necessary to limit the use of hard-digestible animal fats, such as lard and fried lamb, and spicy food. After removal of the gallbladder, it is important to eat regularly, especially recommended fractional food (small portions 5-6 times a day).

Rare complications after cholecystectomy include pancreatitis, stomach problems and bile duct dysfunction. Sometimes there are aching abdominal pains and stools. In most cases, such complications are succumbing to drug treatment.