The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac that stores bile for the liver. It can often become diseased and cause pain, nausea and other stomach disorders. When the gallbladder causes too much discomfort for the patient, removal is recommended.
Gallbladder Removal
Gallbladder removal is done surgically in a procedure called a cholecystectomy. Historically, the gallbladder was removed by opening up the abdomen and performing an extensive surgery.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Nowadays, the cholecystectomies are performed laparoscopically, with three small incisions roughly 1-inch long made over various locations on the abdomen.
Benefits
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is preferred because recovery time is much shorter than with an open surgery. No muscles are cut and the shorter incisions heal faster with less pain.
Shorter Hospital Stay
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy are typically same-day surgeries and at the most require a one-night stay.
Recovery Time
Recovery time is largely dependent on a patient's condition. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within one week and can eat and drink almost immediately after surgery.
Side Effects
Patients sometimes experience diarrhea after the cholecystectomy because the body no longer has large stores of bile in it to help digest fat.
