5 Things You Should Know About Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder surgery is a fairly common procedure. Many people are so afraid of the word operation, they shut down their brains when they hear it. If people understood about gallbladder operations, perhaps the fear would subside.

The first question people usually ask is how it is removed. During the 1990's, this procedure changed dramatically. Before then, a 6-9 inch incision was made in the upper or middle abdomen to remove the gallbladder. Today, however, the gallbladder removal prcedure is much less dramatic. About 3 or 4 tiny incisions are made in the abdomen. A scope and surgical instruments are passed through the incisions. During this laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, the gallbladder is removed from the liver. Clips are placed on the gallbladder artery and the outflow duct. The gallbladder is then pulled out through one of the small incisions.

Another question people usually ask is if some people have the regular large incision. The answer is yes, sometimes. This usually is only mandatory when patients have an inflamed or gangrene gallbladder. It is very uncommon.

How long will the hospital stay be? This is another common question before gallbladder surgery. Since gallbladder operations are now mainly done laparscopically, patients are usually sent home the same day. If the operation is done in the late afternoon or evening, they usually go home the morning of the next day. It is usually considered an outpatient procedure.

Before anyone has a gallbladder removal operation done, many people ask about the risks. Just like any other medical procedure, there are some risks. Infection and excessive bleeding are always risks. However, since this operation is now mainly done laparscopicly, these risks are substantially lowered.

The fifth question people usually ask is how soon they can go back to work. For most people, a week off work will do the trick. If heavy lifting is part of your job description, most surgeons recommend to wait at least two weeks after your operation.

Hopefully, getting some questions answered will ease anxiety this now simple procedure can create.