Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

What is a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

The surgical removal of your gallbladder.  The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac that lies on the underside of your liver.  It stores and concentrates bile which aids in the digestion of fats.  Once the gallbladder is removed, your liver still makes bile which flows directly into the small intestine.

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Why should I have a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended for those with symptomatic gallstones.  Gallstones may cause pain or inflammation of the gallbladder, jaundice and pancreatitis.  Having the gallbladder removed stops the current symptoms and prevents further complications from gallstones developing.

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How is the surgery performed?

You will have a general anaesthetic. An incision through the naval allows a laparoscope to be inserted, this is a small camera allowing visualisation of the internal organs.  Three 5 – 12mm incisions in the upper abdomen are required to allow instruments into the abdomen for the operation. The gallbladder is dissected out from the liver. It is divided where the gallbladder narrows to the cystic duct, a small duct that connects the gallbladder to the main bile duct. The gallbladder is placed in a plastic bag and removed via the incision in your naval. Your skin incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. Waterproof dressings are placed.

What are the risks of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Bleeding.  Infection. Conversion to Open Cholecystectomy (<5%).  Injury to other organs.  Retention of gallstones.  Bile leak. Injury to the bile duct.

Before the operation

You will be admitted on the day of surgery.  You cannot have anything to eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the operation. If required, the upper part of your abdomen will be shaved.

After the operation

You will be able to drink fluids in the recovery area, and if this is well tolerated you will be able to start solid food. You will be given pain relief regularly and should continue to use this once you have been discharged home. You will be encouraged to mobilise early as this aids recovery and can prevent some complications such as clots forming in your legs. Depending on the time of your operation and your personal circumstances you will either be admitted overnight or may be able to go home the day of your operation. You will need someone to drive you home. You should not do any heavy lifting for 4 weeks after surgery to allow the naval wound to heal fully and decrease the chance of a hernia developing. You will be followed up in the rooms 4 weeks postoperatively.

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