Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

Cholecystectomy is a procedure when a gallbladder is removed, most often because of gallstones. Cholecystectomy may be performed as an open or laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopic treatment is now the gold standard for surgical treatment of gallstones.

• less pain,
• faster recovery,
• shorter hospital stay,
• better cosmetic effect,
• minimised risk of infection.

The decision on your surgery is taken during a pre-operative visit when a doctor assesses your eligibility, selects the optimum procedure and orders necessary tests.  The decision is made on the basis of test results and your general condition. Then a convenient date is selected.

• One week before the procedure you should have the following blood tests done: full blood count, electrolyte test, coagulation test, blood type, glucose, creatinine, Hbs antigen, ANTI-HCV.
• If you have other medical conditions, please consult your attending doctors and bring a certificate that there are no contraindications to the surgical procedure.
• If you are on anticoagulant treatment, you should switch to subcutaneous medications 7 days before the procedure.
• Consult with the attending doctor whether to take any medications on the day of the procedure.
• On the day of the surgery you should come to hospital on an empty stomach.

• The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
• During the laparoscopic procedure 4 incisions are made in the abdominal wall and laparoscopic instruments are inserted (their diameter is between 5 and 10 mm).
• The procedure lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy you can return to normal activity, but you should follow these guidelines:

• Physical exercise should be limited for up to 2 weeks after the surgery.
• The wound should be rinsed with Octenisept solution every day.
• Sutures are removed on the 7th day after the procedure.
• Histopathology results should be collected 14 days after the surgery.