Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder surgery is one of the methods used to treat disorders that occur in the gallbladder. Surgical methods are considered when medical treatments are insufficient. Depending on the disease in the gallbladder and the general condition of the patient, these surgeries can be performed in different ways.

What is the Gallbladder?

The gallbladder is the organ that stores the bile fluid produced by the liver and involved in digestion. It has a shape resembling a droplet of water. The gallbladder delivers the bile in it to the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

Different waste products are also excreted along with bile. For example, bilirubin, which is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells, is converted into direct bilirubin and then eliminated through the feces with the help of bile. The gallbladder is responsible for storing the bile rather than producing it.

The bile is produced in the liver and transported to the gallbladder. When food is consumed, the accumulated bile is transferred to the intestines via this organ. Some disorders can occur in the gallbladder due to certain reasons, which are generally referred to as gallbladder diseases.

While medication can sometimes be sufficient for these diseases, surgical treatments may be necessary in some cases. The most common gallbladder diseases are as follows:

Gallbladder Stone is one of the most common gallbladder diseases. Bile, which has a fluid consistency and is in a constant cycle, does not lose its fluidity.

However, due to previous illnesses or other reasons, this fluidity can be disrupted, and sediment accumulates, leading to the formation of stones over time. The symptoms that will be observed after the formation of stones are as follows:

• Pain that starts in the abdomen and progresses to the back and shoulders
• Indigestion
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Vomiting and nausea
• White stools
• Jaundice

 

Gallbladder Stone is one of the most common gallbladder diseases. Bile fluid has a fluid consistency and its fluidity is not disrupted due to its constant circulation. However, due to diseases or other reasons, this fluidity can be disrupted and sediments accumulate over time, leading to the formation of stones. The symptoms that will be seen after the formation of stones are as follows:

The formed stones can be of different sizes. Small stones that do not obstruct fluid flow usually do not cause discomfort to patients. However, large stones that obstruct fluid flow cause severe pain. In such cases, gallbladder surgery is considered as a treatment option.

Gallbladder Polyps are structures that form on the wall of the gallbladder due to various reasons. The vast majority of these are benign and do not require treatment. However, those identified as malignant need to be treated.

Gallbladder Cancer is malignant tumors that occur on the wall of the gallbladder. Although the exact cause of this cancer is not known, it is estimated that infections caused by stones in the gallbladder affect the structure of the cells and thus lead to cancer.

When diagnosed early, gallbladder cancer is not a difficult disease to treat. However, when diagnosed late, it is both difficult to treat and there is a high possibility of the cancer spreading to other organs. Therefore, knowing the symptoms of the disease is very important. The symptoms of gallbladder cancer can be listed as follows:

• Stomach ache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Jaundice
• White stool
• Dark urine

 

These symptoms can also stem from different disorders. It is necessary to have a specialist examine the patient to identify the underlying cause of these symptoms and perform the necessary treatment.

Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation) Inflammation of the gallbladder caused by obstruction in the liver leads to thickening of the gallbladder walls and the formation of edema. It has similar symptoms to gallbladder stones. In terms of its effects and consequences, it is a more serious disorder.

Obstructive Jaundice It occurs due to the obstruction of the bile duct by a stone or tumor. The inability of the liver’s bile to be transferred to the intestines results in a distinct yellowing of the patients’ skin.

If left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences such as liver failure. Acute Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas) This disease, caused by gallstones, can be fatal if left untreated.

While most patients do not experience the disease too severely, a small percentage may have a severe form of the disease. Preparations to be made before Gallbladder Surgery The following preparations should be made before gallbladder surgery:

• Before surgery, patients should inform their doctors about their medical history and the medications they use.
• Eating and drinking should be stopped 6-8 hours before the operation.
• The use of drugs that the doctor wants to be interrupted should be stopped. The doctor’s instructions should be strictly followed, especially regarding the use of blood thinners that increase the risk of bleeding.
• A companion should be arranged for the post-operative period.

 

After closed gallbladder surgery, patients are usually discharged on the same day. However, depending on the condition of the disease, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital for a few days. Considering such a possibility, preparations for the hospital should also be made. Clothing that is easy to wear should be preferred.

How is Gallbladder Surgery Performed?

Gallbladder surgery is performed in two different ways, open and closed. Complete removal of the gallbladder with these operations is called cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a closed gallbladder surgery. In this surgery, 3-4 incisions with an average size of 1 cm are made on the anterior abdominal wall. While a camera tube is inserted into one of these incisions, special medical instruments are placed in the other one. The gallbladder is removed closedly. In addition, the ducts are also checked for the risk of stone formation.

Thus, it is ensured that the related region performs its function similarly. At the end of the surgery, the incisions are closed and the procedure is terminated. This procedure takes about 1-2 hours. Laparoscopic surgery, which is a new generation method, is also used in different surgeries such as umbilical hernia, bariatric surgery, and hernia surgery.

Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy

Traditional cholecystectomy is the removal of the bile with open surgery. In this surgery, an incision of approximately 15 cm is made in the relevant area. The muscles and tissues are pulled aside for the purpose of exposing the liver and gallbladder. Necessary procedures are performed, and the gallbladder is removed.

Finally, the incision is closed and the procedure is terminated. Open surgery takes about 2 hours on average depending on the patient’s condition.

When Is Gallbladder Surgery Performed?

The most common problem in the gallbladder is the formation of stones. Other diseases generally occur as a result of the effects caused by stones. When gallstones are detected, their effects are examined.

Surgical method is generally not preferred for stones that do not cause symptoms and do not block the ducts. However, in case of the detection of stones that cause severe symptoms and block the ducts, surgical method is used. The surgery is usually performed as cholecystectomy, which means removal of the gallbladder. Other situations where the surgery option is evaluated are as follows:

• Stone detection in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis)
• large polyps
• Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
• Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas due to gallstones)

 

Gallbladder Surgery Risks Gallbladder surgery is a procedure performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, both the surgical procedure and general anesthesia have risks. These risks can be listed as follows:

• Bleeding
• Injury to nearby parts/organs such as liver, small intestine and bile duct
• Infection
• Bile leak
• Clot formation
• Other risks

 

The probability of these risks occurring is minimized by selecting an experienced surgeon and choosing laparoscopic surgery management. The price of gallbladder surgery varies depending on the procedure to be performed and the doctor’s experience.

When the comments of those who have had gallbladder surgery are examined, it can be seen that patients are completely relieved of their pains and similar complaints. Especially after the recovery period, the problems that patients experienced in the past disappear completely, resulting in a significant increase in their quality of life.

After the surgical removal of the gallbladder, it may take some time for the body to adapt to the new situation. As a result, some patients may experience complaints such as bloating and indigestion. However, these complaints are not serious. Reviews and evaluations by those who have had gallbladder surgery are generally in this way.

How Long Does Gallbladder Surgery Last?

Gallbladder surgery lasts an average of 45 minutes. In this surgical procedure, the relevant organ is removed from the body. Then, the ducts are checked and any blockages are removed.

Finally, the incisions are closed, and the procedure is completed. The duration of gallbladder surgery can vary depending on various factors. In cases requiring complex and challenging surgical procedures, the duration may be a bit longer. In addition, the duration of closed procedures can be a bit longer than open ones.

Closed Gallbladder Surgery Price

The price of closed gallbladder surgery varies due to many factors. First of all, every patient’s situation is not the same.

Therefore, the duration, difficulty, complexity, and techniques used in the surgical procedure may differ. Due to these factors, the prices of closed surgeries also vary.

One of the costs that affect the prices here is the experience of the surgeon. The more experienced the surgeon is, the higher the prices will be. However, it should not be forgotten that the success rates of surgical operations performed by experienced surgeons are higher, and their risks are lower.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Closed Gallbladder Surgery?

After closed gallbladder surgery, patients are kept under control for a while. If no complications are detected during the control period, patients are discharged. Patients who spend their first days resting at home usually return to work 5-7 days later.

However, those who have heavy jobs need to wait a little longer. Patients return to their normal routines after 4-6 weeks. At every stage of this process, it is necessary to act according to the doctor’s instructions.

What Should be Considered After Closed Gallbladder Surgery?

After closed gallbladder surgery, patients should pay attention to their nutrition. The gallbladder serves as a storage organ. When this organ is removed, the bile produced by the liver is directly given to the intestines.

Therefore, it will be necessary to adapt to a new diet after the surgery. Eating small and frequent meals is the most important rule during this period. In this way, digestive problems such as indigestion and bloating will not occur. It is also very important to stay away from fatty and gas-producing foods.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE AFTER GALLBLADDER SURGERY

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patients are kept under observation for 24 hours and then discharged. Depending on the patient’s condition, discharge may take 1-2 days. Open surgery may require a slightly longer hospital stay.

Patients can return to their daily activities shortly after surgery, but it is important to avoid heavy lifting and activities. Additionally, proper nutrition is important after gallbladder surgery. Patients are only allowed to consume liquids in the first few hours after surgery, and then solid foods with the doctor’s approval.

How long does gallbladder surgery take?

The duration of gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) can vary from person to person. For example, some surgeries can take a few hours, while others may take longer.

Generally, the duration of gallbladder surgery depends on many factors, and the duration of each surgery can vary from person to person. It is important to determine a healthy time frame for the doctor and other medical staff during the surgery. If you would like to learn more about gallbladder surgery, please consult a doctor.

How long does it take to recover from gallbladder surgery?

The recovery time after gallbladder surgery can vary among individuals and depends on many factors. For example, factors such as a person’s overall health, the type of surgery, and the postoperative treatment program can affect recovery time.

Usually, patients are hospitalized for a few days after gallbladder surgery and then treated at home for a few weeks to recover. However, each case is different, and your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment program for you.

What happens if a person’s gallbladder is removed?

The gallbladder is an organ in the human body that produces enzymes that may be necessary for certain bodily processes. The gallbladder is filled with bile produced by the liver, and this bile helps digest food in the stomach and small intestine.

If a person’s gallbladder is removed, the body may be unable to properly digest the necessary amount of food, and the person may not receive enough nutrients. Gallbladder surgery can also prevent the formation of gallstones that may occur during certain bodily processes.

Therefore, gallbladder surgery is performed by doctors when it is necessary and a treatment plan is developed based on the individual’s health condition.

Is gallbladder surgery painful?

The severity of gallbladder surgery can vary depending on many factors, and each case is different. For example, factors such as a person’s overall health, the type of surgery, and the postoperative treatment program can affect the severity of the surgery.

Generally, gallbladder surgery is performed laparoscopically, which makes the surgery easier and less painful for the patient. However, each case is different, and your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment method for you.

Is the patient asleep in gallbladder surgery?

Gallbladder surgery is usually performed under anesthesia and therefore the patient is put to sleep. Anesthesia is a method that blocks the patient’s pain and movements during the operation, so surgeons can easily perform the operation.

The type of anesthesia may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s health condition, and your doctor will recommend the most appropriate anesthesia method for you. The patient is not completely asleep during the operation.

Comments of those who had gallbladder surgery?

Reviews of those who have had gallbladder surgery can vary widely, but in general, a few comments that describe the positive effects of this surgery are as follows:

• “I had gallbladder surgery and now I feel better. My pain has decreased and I have started to lead a healthier life.”
• “I think gallbladder surgery is a very good decision for me. My ailments such as colitis and indigestion have completely disappeared.”
• “After having gallbladder surgery, I had a great relief in daily activities. Now I can do simple things like breathing, walking or moving more easily.”

These comments indicate that gallbladder surgery has positive effects on individuals. However, the effect of this surgery may vary for each patient, so it is important to consult a doctor when making the decision to have the surgery.

What are the complaints after gallbladder surgery?

After gallbladder surgery, some patients may experience complaints. Some of these complaints may include:

Pain: There may be pain for a few days after surgery. This pain is usually mild and temporary and can be controlled with pain relievers. Loss of appetite: Appetite may decrease after surgery and some patients may temporarily lose weight. This situation is usually temporary and your appetite will return to normal over time. Nausea: There may be nausea and vomiting after surgery. This condition is usually temporary and anti-nausea medications can be used to reduce nausea. Skin rash: Some patients may experience a skin rash after surgery. This condition is usually temporary and skin care products can be used to reduce the skin rash.

All of these complaints are normal after surgery and can be temporary. However, if these complaints persist or worsen, be sure to consult your doctor.

How much does gallbladder surgery cost?

The cost of gallbladder surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery, where it will be performed, and other factors. For example, a closed gallbladder surgery (laparoscopic) may have a lower cost, while an open gallbladder surgery may be more expensive.

In addition, the region where the hospital performing the surgery is located and the experience of the doctor performing the surgery may also affect the price. Therefore, it may be difficult to say exactly how much gallbladder surgery costs. However, generally, the cost of these types of surgeries can range from a few thousand liras to tens of thousands of liras. Therefore, we recommend consulting a doctor to obtain more detailed information about the price required for the surgery.

Gallbladder Surgery Prices 2023

The cost of gallbladder surgeries may vary depending on the type of surgery, where it will be performed, and other factors. For example, a closed gallbladder surgery (laparoscopic) may have a lower cost, while an open gallbladder surgery may be more expensive.

In addition, the region where the hospital performing the surgery is located and the experience of the doctor performing the surgery may also affect the price. Therefore, it may be difficult to predict how much gallbladder surgeries will cost in 2023.

However, generally, the cost of these types of surgeries can range from a few thousand liras to tens of thousands of liras. Therefore, we recommend consulting a doctor to obtain more detailed information about the price required for the surgery.

What happens if gallstones are not removed?

If gallstones are not removed, there is a possibility that these stones may harm the body. These stones can accumulate in the gallbladder and become stuck, causing inflammation of the gallbladder.

In addition, as gallstones grow and their number increases, they can cause blockages in the gallbladder, leading to pain and other discomforts. Furthermore, if a gallstone becomes dislodged and enters the bile ducts, it can cause a serious condition called acute cholecystitis, which may require emergency surgery. Therefore, it is important to remove gallstones if they are causing problems.

When can you stand up after gallbladder surgery?

The time to stand up after gallbladder surgery may vary from person to person. Usually, the time to stand up is determined based on the severity of the surgery and the person’s overall health status. You can obtain the best information on this subject from your doctor. The important thing is to carefully follow the instructions given by your doctor and to have all necessary follow-up and check-ups.

Can gallstones pass without surgery?

Gallstones can pass without surgery, but this usually applies to large stones or a large number of small stones. In this case, gallstones can be naturally expelled from the body and may not require surgery.

However, these cases are quite rare and doctors usually recommend surgical removal of gallstones. Surgery may be necessary to treat the pain and other symptoms caused by gallstones. You can obtain the best information on this subject from your doctor.

What should gallbladder surgery patients pay attention to?

Patients who have undergone gallbladder surgery have some points to pay attention to during the postoperative period. For example, they should follow a limited diet in the first few days after surgery and should not try to overload themselves.

In addition, painkillers may be used after surgery, but they should be used according to the doctor’s advice. You can obtain more detailed information from your doctor on what to pay attention to during the postoperative period.