The procedure of the removal of the gall bladder is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. The gall bladder removal is one of the most commonly surgical procedure in the United States. In most people the removal of gall bladder has no effects on digestion. Gall bladder is a small organ situated beneath the liver, collecting bile. After each meal the bile is released into the small intestine through narrow tubular channels(bile ducts).



Gall bladder diseases are caused by the gallstones that form from bile salts and cholesterol in the gallbladder or in the bile ducts. There is hard to say why some people produce gallstones and others don't, gallstones block the bile ducts producing jaundice, sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and fever. Gallstones are diagnosed with ultrasounds, but a treatment must be adopted because they do not go away on their own, the most safer and adequated procedure is the surgical remove of the gall bladder.

The advantages of the laparoscopically procedure are numerous.

There are only four small cuts in the abdomen, that's why there are no pains after the operation and the recovery of the patients is fast and they may return to their daily activities.

Laparoscopic procedure may not be suited if patients have an altered condition, and for those that have suffered previous abdominal surgery.

There are required some preparations before the operation such as: blood work, medical evaluation, chest X-rays and an EKG, after your surgeon explains you the risks and benefits of this kind of operation you have to write down your consent.

For 1-2 days before the operation you are advised to drink only clear liquids, to empty your intestines. You are recommended to take your medicines and take a shower in the morning before the operation. Anti-inflammatories and aspirins, vitamin E are stopped within a week before the surgery. Diet medications should not be used for two weeks before the operation, you should also quit smocking.

The procedure of the laparoscopic gall bladder removal is performed under general anesthesia, a cannula is introduced in the abdomen (close to the belly-button), the laparoscope is inserted through the cannula and the surgeon has a magnified image of the internal organs on a TV screen. With other cannulas the surgeon can remove the gall bladder through one of the openings. A cholangiogram, to identify stones, which may be located in the bile channels is indicated. These small incisions are closed with surgical tape or with some stitches.

The laparoscopic method is not indicated if the patient suffers of obesity, bleeding problems and inability to visualize organs. So for the patient's safety the classical open procedure is indicated . If fever, yellow skin and eyes, distention, worsening abdominal pain occurs it means that things have complicated and you have to address your surgeon. The studies have shown that bleeding, pneumonia, heart problems, infection, injury to the adjacent structures are the most frequent complications.