Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal
The Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that rests beneath the right side of the liver. Its main purpose is to collect and concentrate a digestive liquid (bile) produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder after eating, aiding digestion. Bile travels through narrow tubular channels (bile ducts) into the small intestine. Removal of the gallbladder is not associated with any impairment of digestion in most people.
Causes of Gallbladder Problems
Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of gallstones: small hard masses consisting primarily of cholesterol and bile salts that form in the gallbladder or in the bile duct.These stones may block the flow of the bile out of the gallbladder, causing it to swell and resulting in sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and occasionally fever.
If the gallstone blocks the common bile duct, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) can occur.
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal
Under general anesthesia, so the patient is asleep throughout the procedure. The surgeon visualises the abdomen in the area of the belly-button.
A laparoscope, connected to a special camera is inserted through the cannula, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient’s internal organs on a monitor. Other cannulas are inserted to remove gallbladder from its attachments. If the surgeon finds one or more stones in the common bile duct, it may be removed with a special scope.