A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed to remove the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver on the right side of the abdomen. This organ is part of the biliary tract, a system that aids in the digestion process by transporting bile throughout the body.
Gallbladder-related issues, often caused by gallstones, are the primary conditions that necessitate a cholecystectomy. These conditions include biliary colic, acute cholecystitis, gallstone-related pancreatitis, gallbladder polyps, and gallbladder cancer.
According to experts like general surgeons Celia Ledet, M.D., David Santos, M.D., and Caitlin Hodge, M.D., who collectively perform numerous cholecystectomies annually, this surgery is considered major due to the critical role the gallbladder plays in the digestive system.
Cholecystectomy procedures can be performed through minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic or robotic surgeries, which are preferred for their quicker recovery times and smaller incisions compared to open cholecystectomies.
During the surgery, performed in an operating room under general anesthesia, carbon dioxide gas is used to visualize the organs, and small incisions are made to remove the gallbladder with specialized surgical tools.
The duration of a cholecystectomy varies based on individual circumstances, with more complex cases requiring longer operating times. While some patients may go home the same day, others may need to stay in the hospital for a few days following the surgery.
Post-surgery recovery involves following specific instructions from the healthcare provider, with laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients typically resuming normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks and fully healing within 6 weeks.
Changes in diet post-surgery are recommended, including avoiding fatty foods initially to aid digestion. While short-term side effects like diarrhea may occur, the body typically adjusts over time, allowing a return to regular dietary habits once fully recovered.
Complications from cholecystectomy are rare but can include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding structures, bile leaks, and bile duct injuries. Close monitoring and appropriate interventions are key to managing these risks.
In conclusion, cholecystectomies are common procedures performed to address various gallbladder conditions, with expert surgeons at institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center well-equipped to handle complex cases, especially in patients undergoing cancer treatments.
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