Gall Bladder Surgery
What is the Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that stores bile, a digestive fluid. When bile becomes imbalanced, it can lead to the formation of gallstones, ranging in size from a grain of rice to a golf ball. Gallstones don’t dissolve on their own, and if they cause symptoms, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) may be necessary.
Types of Gallbladder Surgery
Open Surgery: Involves a 5- to 7-inch incision to remove the gallbladder, typically performed in cases of severe disease, bleeding disorders, obesity, or late pregnancy.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Also known as “keyhole surgery,” uses small incisions and a camera to guide the removal, minimizing recovery time.
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are solid particles formed from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder. Located under the liver in the upper right abdomen, the gallbladder is part of the biliary system, which aids digestion by transporting bile and enzymes.
Causes of Gallstones
Factors contributing to gallstone formation include genetics, weight, gallbladder dysfunction, and diet. Excess cholesterol in bile or improper emptying of the gallbladder increases the risk.
Common Bile Duct Stones
When gallstones migrate to the common bile duct, they can block bile flow, leading to jaundice, infection (cholangitis), or acute pancreatitis. The common bile duct connects the gallbladder and liver to the small intestine.
Risk Factors for Bile Duct Stones
Risk factors for bile duct stones overlap with those for gallstones, including high cholesterol, obesity, aging, rapid weight loss, and certain medical conditions like sickle cell disease or liver cirrhosis. They can also develop after gallbladder removal.
