Surgery

Keyhole Removal of the Gallbladder

Why It’s Done (Indications)

Required for symptomatic gallstones causing severe abdominal pain (biliary colic), gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), or pancreatitis caused by gallstones.

How to Prepare (Preparations)

• Fasting (no food or drink) for 6 hours before surgery.
• Pause blood-thinning medications as instructed by your doctor.
• Routine blood tests and ultrasound evaluation ahead of time.

What Happens (Procedural Details)

• Anaesthesia & Access: Performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon creates 4 small incisions (ranging from 5 mm to 10 mm) in the upper abdomen and belly button area, inflating the abdomen with gas.
• Exposing the Anatomy: The camera and long, thin instruments are inserted. The surgeon moves the liver slightly to expose the gallbladder tucked underneath it.
• Isolating the Duct and Artery: The surgeon meticulously identifies two key structures: the cystic duct (the tube connecting the gallbladder to the main bile channel) and the cystic artery (the blood vessel supplying the gallbladder).
• Clipping and Cutting: Titanium or plastic clips are placed securely across both the cystic duct and cystic artery, which are then cut between the clips.
• Peeling the Gallbladder: The surgeon carefully peels the gallbladder away from its bed on the underside of the liver using electrocautery (heat energy) to control bleeding.
• Removal & Final Check: The gallbladder (along with any trapped stones) is placed into a small plastic extraction bag and pulled out through the belly button incision. The liver surface is checked for bleeding, gas is evacuated, and incisions are dressed.
   

Recovery (Postoperative Care)

• Usually performed as a day procedure or requires a 1-night stay.
• Normal activity can generally resume within 1 to 2 weeks.
• You may experience mild bloating or shoulder pain from the gas, which resolves in a few days.
   

Risks (Potential Complications)

• Bile leakage from the clipped duct.
• Injury to the main bile duct or surrounding blood vessels.
• Temporary diarrhea or loose stools after digestion adapts.