Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder, the indications for which are the presence of stones in it or acute cholecystitis. Also, surgery can be prescribed for chronic cholecystitis, in which the formation of stones is not observed.
If the patient experiences constant pain due to the fact that the stones interfere with the outflow of bile, immediate removal of the gallbladder is necessary. In general, the operation does not reveal difficulties in carrying out, and if the course of treatment is successful, the patient can be discharged home after a couple of days.
There are a number of reasons for which doctors prescribe cholecystectomy:
- The presence of stones in the gallbladder (gallstone disease).
- The formation of stones in the bile ducts (choledocholithiasis).
- Acute inflammatory processes in the gallbladder (cholecystitis).
- Perhaps the appointment of surgery for inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Certain complications may occur that may accompany gallbladder removal. Complications are very rare, but knowing what they can be is still necessary.
- Bile may leak.
- Slight or severe bleeding.
- Blood clots
- Problems with the work of the heart muscle.
- Fatal outcome (almost never occurs).
- Infection.
- Damage to organs located next to the gallbladder: bile ducts, small intestine and liver.
- Pneumonia.
- Pancreatitis
As a rule, the risk of complications depends on the characteristics of those reasons, as a result of which the removal of the gallbladder was required. Consequences of an adverse nature arise, often if the patient has been operated on with an acute form of cholecystitis. Also, the occurrence of complications depends on the patient’s state of health and on the reasons that caused the development of cholecystitis.
Removing the gallbladder, if it is planned, requires some preparation. So, initially the doctor prescribes an intestinal lavage, for which the patient needs to drink a certain drug (for example, fortrans). Sometimes, several hours before the operation, a special solution may be prescribed to remove the remaining feces from the intestines. In the evening before surgery (12 hours) should be the last meal. At least four hours before surgery, you need to stop drinking fluid.
You should tell the doctor about all the medicines that the patient takes. Reception must be stopped if the doctor requires it. As a rule, it is forbidden to drink medicines that can increase the likelihood of bleeding. Also, before surgery, you need to take a shower or bath using a special soap recommended by your doctor.
If the operation is successful and without complications, the doctor can discharge the patient home in a couple of days. But sometimes the removal of the gallbladder causes some temporary inconvenience, which you need to be prepared for. So, sometimes there is diarrhea in a mild form, which soon passes. However, most patients do not experience digestive problems after this procedure.
After the operation, pain and discomfort will pass. Keep in mind that treatment using conservative methods does not bring much relief. Only planned or emergency cholecystectomy is needed.
As a rule, the duration of the rehabilitation period after removal of the gallbladder depends on the method of the operation and the level of health of the patient. So, if the patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, he can return to a normal lifestyle within a few days. If an open operation is performed, the recovery period may take from one to several weeks.