What Is Cholecystectomy

What is Cholecystectomy?

What is Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is the surgical procedure followed to remove the gallbladder.

When is Cholecystectomy recommended?
A Cholecystectomy may be necessary in the following cases:
- In case of any pain from gallstones that block the flow of bile (biliary colic)
- Gallstones in the bile duct
- Gallbladder inflammation (Acute cholecystitis) – in this, a laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is to be done within 72 hours of identification of symptoms
- Gallstones causing inflammation in the pancreas

Preparing for Cholecystectomy
- A medical evaluation of the patient through blood tests and an EKG is made.
- You will be prescribed some fluids days before the surgery to clean out your intestine.
- Avoid eating the night before your surgery except for the medications and clear liquid intake. Restrain yourself from eating at least four hours before the surgery.
- If you are on medications regarding other conditions, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them.
- After the surgery, you will be asked to stay at rest as you will be given anesthesia during the surgery. So, arrange somebody to take you home.
- If this is an open cholecystectomy, you might have to stay a night at the hospital.

Understanding the results in Cholecystectomy
- A Cholecystectomy is effective in relieving the pain from gallstones. Other conservative treatment options cannot prevent the condition from recurring like in Cholecystectomy where the gallstone formation is halted.
- Experiencing loose stools after a Cholecystectomy is common and you might want to take it to the notice of the doctor.
- Recovery time often depends on the procedure adopted like in an open Cholecystectomy the recovery may take weeks, unlike a laparoscopic Cholecystectomy which takes lesser.