Cholecystectomy

It is an organ that stores bile, a digestive enzyme produced by the liver.

Indications of gall bladder removal include:

• Cholecystitis or inflammation of the gall bladder usually associated with stones.
• Pancreatitis- inflammation of the pancreatic gland caused frequently by the passage of  stones or sludge down the common bile duct (CBD).
• Obstructive Jaundice – increase in bilirubin due to obstruction of the flow of bile down the CBD.
• Biliary colic – pain caused frequently by stone traversing the CBD.  Surgery is done principally after the CBD has been cleared of stones.
• Gallbladder polyps.

• Better Cosmesis
• Early return to work
• Less pain postoperatively
• Shorter hospital stay
• Prevention of complications related to a pathological gallbladder

Typically a patient commences on oral fluids within 6 – 7 hrs after surgery followed by a light diet.  Hospital stay is usually for about one day after day of surgery or less.

Patient can resume work within 48 hrs of returning home.  Typically travel can commence safely within 5 days after surgery.