What Happens during a Gallbladder Removal Procedure?
During a gallbladder removal procedure, the Patient is placed under general anesthesia, meaning they are unconscious and do not feel any pain. For laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the most common method, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen. A laparoscope, which is a small tube with a camera, is inserted through one of the incisions to provide a view of the internal organs. The surgeon then uses specialized instruments inserted through the other incisions to carefully detach the gallbladder from the liver and surrounding tissues before removing it through one of the incisions.
In cases where laparoscopic surgery is not possible or complications arise, the surgeon may switch to an open cholecystectomy, which requires a larger incision in the upper right abdomen. After the gallbladder is removed, the surgeon inspects the area for any signs of infection or bile leakage and may place a drainage tube if necessary. The incisions are then closed with stitches or surgical staples. The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours, and patients are monitored in a recovery room before being discharged or admitted to the hospital for further observation, depending on the case.
