LAPAROSCOPIC
CHOLECYSTECTOMY
The most common way to remove the gallbladder is by a laparoscopic surgical technique.
The surgery is performed through several small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted through an incision in the navel. A small video camera attached to the laparoscope allows the surgeon to view your gallbladder on a video monitor and remove it. The gallbladder is then withdrawn through one of the incisions.
RECOVERY AFTER THE SURGERY
While recovering in hospital, you may have some discomfort in your right shoulder from the carbon dioxide used during surgery. However, this is temporary.
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Several hours after surgery, if you are not nauseated, you can drink and eat a light meal if you wish. Your nurse will ask you to cough and breathe deeply to keep your lungs clear. You will be asked to take a short walk several hours after the surgery to keep your blood circulating smoothly through your body. This helps prevent blood clots from forming in the legs.
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Most people recover sufficiently to go home the morning after laparoscopic surgery.
After you return home, you can usually resume most normal activities in 3-5 days. You can help yourself recover quickly and comfortably by observing the following:
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no heavy lifting
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no vigorous exercise
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follow your doctor’s advice on showering, driving and returning to work
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be aware that pain medications can cause temporary changes in bowel habits
You may have some gas pains and other discomfort while your digestive system returns to normal. During this period of adjustment, eat healthy food that was easy to digest before your gallbladder surgery.