Closed Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy) is one of the methods applied for gallbladder surgery and is performed on patients who require surgery due to gallbladder problems. It is a surgery performed through smaller incisions compared to open surgery, and it is a type of surgery that reduces scarring, decreases pain, and shortens the patient's hospital stay, thereby accelerating the recovery process.
✓How is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed?
Closed Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy) is performed under general anesthesia with the patient lying on their back. Usually, 4 small incisions are made in the abdomen. In this surgery, the abdominal cavity is first inflated with carbon dioxide gas to allow clear visualization of the inside of the abdomen and to allow the instruments used in surgery to move freely. Tubes called trocars are placed through the small incisions made in the abdomen to allow easy insertion and removal of the instruments that will be used during surgery.
✓Through an incision made around the navel, a camera is inserted and the gallbladder surgery is completed in a closed (laparoscopic) manner, and the gallbladder is removed through one of these incision sites. The abdominal cavity is then checked again, the gas inside the abdomen is completely evacuated, the small incisions made are sutured closed, and a dressing is applied.
✓How Long Does Closed Gallbladder Surgery Take?
Closed Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy) usually takes between 40 minutes to 2 hours. This duration may vary depending on the patient's general condition, problems in the gallbladder, the presence of anatomical variations, and the surgeon's experience. These times do not include the pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery period.
✓How Many Days Does Closed Gallbladder Surgery Take to Heal?
Closed Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy) recovery is usually rapid. The patient is typically discharged after approximately 1 day. They can return to their normal daily activities within approximately 1-2 weeks. These timeframes may vary depending on the patient's general health condition, how the surgery went, and whether the patient followed the recommendations.
✓How Many Incisions Are Made in Closed Gallbladder Surgery?
In Closed Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy), usually 3-4 small incisions are made. One of these incisions is made around the navel to allow the camera to be inserted during surgery. The other incisions are made on the upper and right side of the abdomen. The number and location of incisions to be made may vary depending on the surgeon's preference and the course of the surgery.
✓Who Can It Be Applied To?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally applied in cases such as gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (acute or chronic cholecystitis), gallbladder polyps, or non-stone gallbladder dysfunction.
✓The decision for surgery is made based on the patient's complaints and ultrasound and laboratory results. The following conditions generally warrant this method:
✓Patients who frequently experience abdominal pain, indigestion, or nausea due to gallstones,
✓Those who have had gallbladder inflammation,
✓Those with gallbladder polyps (especially larger than 1 cm),
✓Patients at risk of obstruction in the bile ducts,
✓Those with a history of recurrent biliary colic or pancreatitis.
✓However, in some cases the laparoscopic method may not be suitable. For example, in patients who have previously undergone multiple abdominal surgeries and have severe adhesions, or those with advanced inflammation or tumors in the bile ducts, open surgery may be preferred. The surgeon determines the most appropriate method based on pre-operative examination and tests.
✓What Is the Hospital Stay Duration?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally a surgery that requires one night's hospital stay. In some selected patients (for example, young patients without comorbidities and uncomplicated cases), it can be performed as day-case surgery and the patient can be discharged the same day.
✓The surgery time varies on average between 30-60 minutes. Patients can usually walk a few hours after surgery and begin feeding with liquid foods. Most people can return to their daily life within 3-5 days and return to work after 1 week. Compared to open surgery, this period is quite short (recovery from open surgery can take 2-4 weeks).
Recovery after Closed Gallbladder Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy) is usually fast and problem-free. The patient may be discharged on the same day, but is usually discharged the next day. After surgery, pain at the incision sites that increases with movement, shoulder pain due to abdominal insufflation (these pains can be controlled with simple painkillers), bloating, and gas pain may occur. Following the recommendations of the doctor and dietitian after surgery helps this process to be more comfortable.
Daily physical activities are started with simple walking and continued according to doctor's recommendations. Wound care recommendations and doctor check-ups should be followed. It is necessary to wait 24-48 hours before bathing, after which showering is possible. Return to work can occur within 1-2 weeks. For those working in heavy labor, this period can extend to 3-4 weeks.