If you’ve been diagnosed with gallstones or other issues with your gallbladder, your doctor may have recommended Gallstone Surgery North Shore to take it out. It can sound scary, but it’s a commonly performed procedure to treat this health condition.
Your gallbladder is a small organ that sits near your liver. It’s responsible for storing bile, which helps break down fats in your food. Gallstones can form when there’s too much cholesterol, bilirubin, or other substances in your bile. These hard deposits can block the flow of bile and cause pain in your abdomen. In addition to pain, gallstones can cause nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Gallstone Surgery North Shore, also known as cholecystectomy, is a procedure that removes your gallbladder. There are two ways this surgery can be performed: laparoscopic and open surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery is the most common method used for gallbladder removal. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that involves making several small incisions in your abdomen. Your surgeon will use a tiny camera called a laparoscope to see inside your body and small instruments to remove your gallbladder. With this method, you’ll recover quicker, experience less pain, and scarring will be minimal.
Open surgery is done for patients who have had previous surgeries, inflammation or other health conditions, making laparoscopic surgery was not recommended. During open surgery, your surgeon will make a 5 to 7-inch incision in your abdomen and remove your gallbladder.
Before your surgery, you’ll need to meet with your surgeon for a consultation. They will ask you about your medical history and do a physical examination. They may also order blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds to get a closer look at your gallbladder.
After your consultation, you’ll need to prep for the surgery by not eating or drinking anything for several hours beforehand. Make arrangements for a ride home after the surgery, you will need someone to drive you home.
The actual surgery typically takes around one to two hours, depending on whether you’re having laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. Generally, you’ll stay in the hospital for one to two days after your surgery.
Following the surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort, but it’s manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions to prevent infection and promote healing. You’ll also need to stick to a special diet for a few weeks after the surgery to allow your body time to adjust.
In the long term, you shouldn’t experience any major complications after gallbladder removal. You may have some digestive issues while your body adjusts to not having a gallbladder, but this should resolve within a few weeks. Some rare complications that can occur include bile leakage, bleeding, and infection.
Gallstone Surgery North Shore is a common and safe procedure that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with gallstones. If you think you may need this surgery, talk to your doctor to learn more. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to understand what to expect during and after the procedure. They will provide you with the information you need so that you can make an informed decision about your healthcare.
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