Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
What is cholecystectomy?
Cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gall bladder. The gall bladder is an organ situated below the liver that works as a storehouse of bile (digestive juice from the liver). If the gall bladder function becomes deranged, it forms gallstones or gets infected. In these cases, it has to be removed from the body. Removal of the gall bladder (Cholecystectomy) is perfectly compatible with normal life, and does not cause any disturbance in normal digestion or body function.
Who is a candidate for this surgery?
If you have any of the following, you need a cholecystectomy:
- Symptomatic gallstones (abdominal pain, nausea)
- Large asymptomatic gallstones (> 1 cm in size)
- Acute/ chronic cholecystitis (i.e. infection of the gall bladder)
- Gall bladder polyps/ tumors
How is the surgery performed?
The cholecystectomy can be performed laparoscopically or robotically, making 3-4 small cuts on the abdomen. Cholecystectomy is also done as a single port procedure for cosmetic reasons. Usually patients recover within a day and can be discharged the day after the surgery within 24 hours (day care surgery).