In “gallstone surgery north shore,” a gallbladder is removed from the patient by doctors during a surgical procedure. There are many reasons why a physician will choose to remove a gallbladder from a patient. However, they usually boil down to one of three things. These include:
- Cholecystitis — an inflamed, infected gallbladder that has formed into a tumor.
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) — the formation of stones in the gallbladder. These are typically small and make it hard for the gallbladder to function effectively.
- Cancer found in or around the gallbladder during an ultrasound or an unrelated illness that requires its removal.
The exact surgery used to remove the gallbladder is based on the patient’s case and is discussed more thoroughly with the doctor, but some of the most common include:
- Removal of Gallbladder (cholecystectomy) — this procedure is often done laparoscopically or by making a single, small incision in the abdomen. The gallbladder is cut free from its connective tissue and removed through the opening made.
- Open procedure — this surgery requires a larger incision to remove the gallbladder but carries a lower risk of fatality since doctors are able to see what they are doing more clearly.
The removal of a gallbladder is a serious surgery, and the patient will have to spend time recovering in the hospital. Some common side effects following the procedure include:
- Cholecystitis
- Diarrhea or other digestive problems that do not go away after 4-6 weeks
- Fever (usually a symptom of infection)
- Pain in the abdomen or back, especially right under the ribs and around the shoulder blade area
- Swelling and bruising of the face and eyes
- Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) — this is a major sign that something is not functioning correctly within your body. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice yellowing of the eyes, skin, or nails.
Doctors generally advise no driving after gallstone surgery north shore for a period of time, usually around two weeks, to make sure there are no complications from the anesthesia. You should also advise your physician if you think you have an emergency. Some general guidelines for a patient’s recovery are as follows:
- Gallstones are usually passed within three to four days of surgery, with some stones taking up to two weeks to release. A patient must drink lots of fluids following the surgery to help wash out any remaining gallstones that may still be inside the body.
- If a patient has been diagnosed with Cholecystitis, they should not eat for a period of time after surgery to allow the digestive system to heal. A doctor will usually advise a patient to take clear liquids for a few days before slowly incorporating other foods into their diet.
- Patients should try to walk around as much as possible following surgery to help speed up recovery and avoid blood clotting.
