Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
This webpage will give you information about a laparoscopic
cholecystectomy. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP
or other relevant health professional.
What are gallstones?
Gallstones are ‘stones’ that form in the gallbladder. They are
quite common but increase with age and in people who eat a diet
rich in fat. In some people, gallstones can cause severe symptoms
with repeated attacks of abdominal pain being the most common.
What are the benefits of surgery?
You should be free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.
Surgery should also prevent the serious complications that
gallstones can cause.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
It is possible to dissolve the stones or even shatter them into
small pieces but these techniques involve unpleasant drugs and side
effects, have a high failure rate and the gallstones usually come
back. Antibiotics can be used to treat any infections of the
gallbladder. A low-fat diet may help to prevent attacks of pain.
However, these alternatives will not cure the condition.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic. The
laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) technique is usually used. Your surgeon
will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will place
surgical instruments, along with a telescope, inside your abdomen
and perform the operation (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - The technique for laparoscopic surgery
Your surgeon will free up the gallbladder duct (cystic duct) and
artery. They will then separate the gallbladder from the liver, and
remove it.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
a Laparoscopic complications
- Damage to internal organs
- Developing a hernia near one of the cuts
- Surgical emphysema
b Cholecystectomy complications
- Leaking of bile or stones
- Retained stones
- Persistent pain
- Diarrhoea
- Inflammation in the abdomen
- Bile duct injury
- Bowel injury
- Serious damage to the liver
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the following day. You should be
able to return to work after two to four weeks but this may vary
depending on the extent of surgery and your type of work. You
should make a full recovery and be able to eat a normal diet.
Summary
Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your
gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat
a normal diet. Surgery should also prevent the serious
complications that gallstones can cause.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Simon Parsons DM FRCS (Gen. Surg.)
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
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You may not copy, print out, download or
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personal, non-commercial use.
The information should not replace advice that
your relevant health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment
- Ashtead, Surrey, Ashtead Hospital
- Bingley, Yorkshire Clinic
- Caterham, North Downs Hospital
- Chelmsford, Springfield Hospital
- Chorley, Euxton Hall Hospital
- Colchester, Oaks Hospital
- Doncaster, Park Hill Hospital
- Gloucester, Winfield Hospital
- Halesowen, West Midlands Hospital
- Hitchin, Pinehill Hospital
- Kettering, Woodand Hospital
- Nottinghamshire, Nottingham Hospital
- Ormskirk, Renacres Hospital
- Peterborough, Fitzwilliam Hospital
- Preston, Fulwood hospital
- Reading, Berkshire Independent Hospital
- Salford, Oaklands Hospital
- Salisbury, New Hall Hospital
- Sawbridgeworth, Rivers Hospital
- Stafford, Rowley Hospital
- Torquay, Mount Stuart Hospital
- Truro, Duchy Hospital