Operation
– Biliary colic
– Acute cholecystitis
– After jaundice due to gallstones
– Pancreatitis due to gallstones
– Gallbladder polyp
Technique:
The abdominal cavity is first insufflated with a gas (CO2) to increase space in the abdominal cavity and make keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). Four small holes are created through which ports (trocarts) are inserted. A trocart (port) is a cylinder made of metal or hard plastic placed through the abdominal wall. Instruments necessary to perform the operation are inserted through the trocarts (ports). Three 5mm and one 10mm trocart are inserted.
During surgery, the gallbladder is detached from the liver using electrocoagulation, an electric current that burns the adherent tissue between the liver and gallbladder.
The two main structures that the surgeon needs to identify during the procedure is the duct, which connects the gallbladder to the main bile duct (cystic duct) and the artery that feeds the gallbladder. The cystic duct (tube connecting gallbladder to the main bile duct) is closed with one or more clips to prevent leakage of bile through the bile stump. It is important that the main bile duct is not damaged during the procedure. Once the gallbladder has been detached from these structures, it will be removed through the wound at the umbilicus.
Advantages:
Laparoscopy is sometimes not possible in case of :
In normal circumstances, pain is easily controlled with paracetamol (Dafalgan®) NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories) or morphine (Tradonal®…) and pain symptoms diminish over time :
Decreasing pain in the right upper abdomen (right hypochondrium).
If certain symptoms seem abnormal to you contact your doctor
If this is not possible, you can contact avec your surgeon.
If you are unable to contact your GP or your surgeon, go to the uremergency department at St Elizabeth Hospital in Uccle.
10 à 15% of patients experience diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by bloating, poor digestion or upper abdominal (epigastric) pain.
In most cases, symptoms disappear soon after surgery.
If symptoms persist, you should consult your GP (general practician) or surgeon.