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Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy
Infection (cholecystitis)
Open gallbladder removal is surgery to remove The most common way to remove the gallbladder
the gallbladder. is by using a medical instrument called a
laparoscope. See also: Gallbladder removal -
Description
laparoscopic
In gallbladder removal surgery, a surgeon makes
a large incision (cut) in your belly to open it up Other reasons for this surgery may be:
and see the area. The surgeon then removes your
gallbladder by reaching in through the incision You have had many surgeries in this part
and gently lifting it out. of your belly in the past
Breathing problems
Surgery is done while you are under general Severe liver problems
anesthesia (unconscious and unable to feel pain). Bleeding problems
You are in your third trimester of
The surgeon will make a 5 to 7 inch incision in the pregnancy
upper right part of your belly, just below your Obesity
ribs. The surgeon will cut the bile duct and blood Pancreatitis
vessels that lead to the gallbladder. Then your
gallbladder will be removed. Risks
A special x-ray called a cholangiogram will be Talk with your doctor about any of these risks.
done during the surgery. This involves squirting
The risks for any anesthesia are:
some dye into your common bile duct. This duct
will be left inside you after your gallbladder has
Reactions to drugs you are given
been removed. The dye helps locate other stones
Breathing problems
that may be outside your gallbladder. If any are
Pneumonia
found, the surgeon may be able to remove these
Heart problems
other stones with a special medical instrument.
Blood clots in the legs or in the lungs
Open gallbladder removal surgery takes about an
hour. The risks for gallbladder surgery are:
Pain after eating, usually in the upper Your doctor may ask you to have these medical
right or upper middle area of tests done before you have surgery:
your belly (epigastric pain)
Nausea and vomiting
Blood tests (complete blood working well so that you do not get
count, electrolytes, and kidney tests) pneumonia.
Chest x-ray or electrocardiogram (EKG), The nurse will help you sit up in bed,
for some patients hang your legs over the side, and then
Several x-rays of the gallbladder stand up and start to walk.
At first you will receive fluids into your
Always tell your doctor or nurse: vein through an intravenous tube (IV).
Soon, though, the doctors and nurses will
If you are or might be pregnant ask you to start drinking liquids and then
What drugs, vitamins, and other eat other foods.
supplements you are taking, even ones You will be able to begin showering again
you bought without a prescription while you are still in the hospital.
You may be asked to wear pressure
During the week before your surgery: stockings on your legs to help prevent a
blood clot from forming. These help keep
You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, your blood circulating well.
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), vitamin E,
warfarin (Coumadin), and any other If there were problems during your surgery, or if
drugs that make it hard for your blood to you have bleeding, a lot of pain, or a fever, you
clot. may need to stay in the hospital longer.
Your doctor may ask you to "clean out"
your colon or intestines. Outlook (Prognosis)
Ask your doctor which drugs you should Most people do very well and recover quickly.
still take on the day of your surgery.
Alternative Names
On the day of the surgery: Cholecystectomy - open