Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your upper abdomen after a heavy meal? Do you also feel bloated or nauseous after eating fatty foods? If yes, then you might be suffering from gallstones. These tiny yet mighty pebbles can wreak havoc on your digestive system, causing excruciating pain and discomfort. But don’t worry; there’s a solution! In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of gallbladder removal surgery – a common procedure, often referred to by doctors and patients as just a choly, that can relieve you from the agony of gallstones.
How Do You Know If You Have Gallstones?
Common signs and symptoms of gallstones may include:
- Intense pain in the upper right portion of your abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Clay-colored stool
- Pain radiating to your back
- Indigestion and bloating
- Repeated burping
- Feeling of fullness after eating even small amounts of food
- Jaundice
- Fever and chills (rare)
If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately for appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
To diagnose gallstones, your doctor will typically start by performing a physical exam and asking about your symptoms and medical history. They may then recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests: These tests are usually done to see if there is any infection or inflammation in the liver or the bile system. These tests also help your doctor rule out other conditions, such as liver or pancreas problems, that may cause similar symptoms.
- Ultrasound: This is a very common imaging test that can detect gallstones’ presence, size, and location.
- CT scan: In this test, X-rays create detailed images of your abdomen, which can help identify gallstones and any complications they may have caused.
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP): It uses radio waves to create detailed images of your bile ducts and gallbladder.
- HIDA scan: This test involves injecting a radioactive substance into your body, which is tracked as it moves through your liver and gallbladder. It can help determine if your gallbladder is functioning properly.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This invasive test involves inserting a small camera and tools through your mouth and into your digestive tract to look for gallstones and other issues in your bile ducts.
Your doctor will determine the most appropriate test based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
What Are the Treatment Options Available?
The primary treatment for gallstones is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, called a cholecystectomy. It is a safe, effective, and usually minimally invasive technique. During the surgery, the surgeon will remove the gallbladder and any stones that may be present.
Two types of cholecystectomy procedures can be done:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure. A laparoscope is a slim, flexible tube with a camera and a light source attached. During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, various smaller incisions are made in the abdomen, and a laparoscope is made to enter through these incisions. In this way, the gallbladder is surgically removed.
- Open cholecystectomy: A larger incision is made in your abdomen to remove the gallbladder. It is a more invasive procedure. It’s typically used if laparoscopic surgery is not possible or has complications.
At GWINNETT SURGICAL SPECIALISTS, Dr. Kakarla and Dr. Solis perform both open and laparoscopic surgeries.
How long does it take to recover from gallbladder removal surgery?
After gallbladder removal surgery, most people can resume their normal activities within one to two weeks after laparoscopic surgery and four to six weeks after open surgery. However, some people may experience digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea or bloating, for several weeks or months after the surgery. In most cases, these symptoms improve over time and do not require further treatment.
Benefits of cholecystectomy
Some of the key benefits of cholecystectomy include:
- Relief from pain and discomfort
- Prevention of complications: If left untreated, gallstones result in cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), infection, or blockage of the bile ducts.
- Improved digestion: The gallbladder plays a role in storing and releasing bile, which helps digest fats. While the body can still produce bile without a gallbladder, some people may experience digestive symptoms after surgery. However, in the long run, removing the gallbladder can improve digestion for some people with chronic digestive issues before surgery.
- Safe and common procedure with a low risk of serious complications.
- Long-term relief: Once the gallbladder is removed, the risk of developing new gallstones or other gallbladder problems is eliminated.
If you’re considering gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy), we provide modern surgical services, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. We have highly efficient and expert surgeons, Dr. Kakarla and Dr. Solis. They both are general surgeons doing both open and minimally invasive laparoscopic surgeries. Dr. Kakarla also performs robotic surgeries. Cholecystectomy can relieve pain, prevent complications, and improve digestion in the long run. Moreover, you must follow your physician’s instructions carefully during recovery, which may involve pain management, dietary restrictions, and rest.
References
Hassler, K. R., Collins, J. T., Philip, K., & Jones, M. W. (2023). Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Coccolini, F., Catena, F., Pisano, M., Gheza, F., Fagiuoli, S., Di Saverio, S., Leandro, G., Montori, G., Ceresoli, M., Corbella, D., Sartelli, M., Sugrue, M., & Ansaloni, L. (2015). Open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis. Systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of surgery (London, England), 18, 196–204.