If you are reading this, probably you are either planned for a gall bladder surgery soon or just finished with one. Here is an information guide to cool your nerves before you go in for a gall bladder surgery.
Before Surgery
- Basic blood work up to check your fitness for surgery – Complete blood count, electrolytes, sugars, kidney test, liver tests, chest X ray and ECG. Other test may be advised as patient health status – Cardiac check, coagulation factors.
- Provide accurate medical history, even though you may feel its not much important.
- If your bilirubin is elevated – USG scan before surgery, ALP and you may need to undergo a MRCP scan.
- Over night fast before surgery or at least 6 hours fast.
- Nowadays most gall bladder surgery are done by laparoscopic surgery or key hole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
- Consent for surgery – You will be explained the surgery, complications and other outcomes by your surgeon or team members.
- Please clarify any doubts or concerns you have.
- Patient is put under general anesthesia and operated.
- You will be housed in the operating room/Theatre for about 3 – 4 hours.
- Average surgery time is about 45 min to 90 min.
- Surgery involves either 3 or 4 small holes made on your tummy (5mm to 10 mm).
Gall Bladder Surgery
- Involves removal of gall bladder from the abdomen.
- Laparoscopic surgery involves, inflating your abdomen with a safe gas and then performing the surgery.
- Gall bladder is connected to the liver and biliary apparatus via cystic duct – your surgeon will disconnect the gall bladder in this region(cystic duct is cut) and then remove it in a safe manner.
After Surgery
- Most patients will be allowed to take oral liquids 6 hours after surgery.
- After surgery you will given some IV fluids, antibiotics and pain medication.
- You can start getting out of bed after 8 Hours – after clearance from your doctor.
- You can discharged 24 to 36hours after surgery provided all parameters are normal.
- You will be discharged with tablets – antibiotics, pain medication and antacids.
- After surgery you are advised to take adequate rest with spaced out small meals for a few days.
- Avoid Spicy and oily food.
- Dinner should be taken 2-3 hours before you go bed.
- Suture or stitch removal is around the 10th day.
- Four wheeler travel is permitted according to comfort.
- Avoid two wheeler travel for 3 weeks.
Danger Signs
- Persistent fever after surgery.
- Sudden increase in tummy ache.
- Excessive vomiting.
- breathing difficulty
Connect to your doctor or the hospital opt for immediate assessment.
Dr Rajeev Pullagura
General & Laparoscopic Surgery
Bangalore, Karnataka