What is Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

Описание: We speak with Mr Robert Anderson, consultant general and upper gastro-intestinal surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital, about gallbladder removal surgery. Having gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, can be life-changing for people who suffer from gallstones or other gallbladder issues. Gallstones can cause intense pain, nausea, and digestive problems, especially after eating fatty foods. For those who deal with these symptoms regularly, the surgery can bring significant relief. Many people find they can eat more comfortably and live without the constant worry of sudden gallbladder attacks of discomfort. It's a fairly common procedure with a fast recovery time, getting you to your regular activities within a few weeks. Overall, it can greatly improve quality of life.

Links:
For more information about your gallbladder health, please visit:
https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/t...
https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/h...
To find a consultant near you, visit: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/f...

Chapters:
00:40 – 01:02 – What is your gallbladder?
01:02 – 02:05 – Why might you need gallbladder removal?
02:05 – 05:27 - Which surgeon is best to perform gallbladder removal surgery?
05:27 – 06:18 - When can you get back to everyday activities?
06:18 – 07:13 - Is life hard after gallbladder removal surgery?

What are gallstones and are they serious?

Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form inside your gallbladder, a small organ responsible for storing bile. The gallbladder releases bile, a digestive fluid, into your small intestine to aid digestion.

Gallstones form when bile stored in your gallbladder hardens into small, solid lumps. While tiny gallstones often initially cause no symptoms, larger stones can eventually lead to abdominal pain and serious complications. Now, not all gallstones are created equal. Most gallstones are made of cholesterol, known as cholesterol stones. Rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to their formation, as the liver releases extra cholesterol into the bile.

What are the most common symptoms of gallstones?

The most common symptoms of gallstones usually occur when a stone blocks a bile duct. These symptoms include:

1. Pain in your upper right abdomen: This pain, often referred to as biliary colic, can be sharp and intense, and it may last from several minutes to a few hours. It often occurs after eating a fatty meal.
2. Nausea and vomiting: Gallstones can cause digestive discomfort, leading to frequent nausea and sometimes vomiting.
3. Pain in your back or right shoulder: The pain may radiate to your back or right shoulder blade.
4. Indigestion or bloating: Many people with gallstones feel a general sense of discomfort after eating, including bloating or gas.
5. Jaundice: If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Some people may not have any symptoms and their gallstones are only discovered during tests for another condition. However, when symptoms appear, it's important to consult a doctor to avoid complications.

If you experience symptoms like severe pain in your upper right abdomen, fever, nausea, or jaundice, it’s important to seek medical care immediately.

What happens during surgery?

During keyhole gallbladder removal surgery, your consultant will make a small incision by your belly button and two or three smaller incisions on the right side of your tummy.

A laparoscope, which is a long, thin telescope with a light and camera at the end, is inserted through the larger incision, which allows your surgeon to see inside your tummy on a monitor. Special surgical instruments are inserted through the other incisions and are used to remove your gallbladder.

The gas is released from your tummy, and the incisions are closed with stitches and covered with dressings

You can usually go home later the same day and recover within two weeks.
Consultant details:

Mr Robert Anderson is a consultant general and upper GP surgeon at Ross Hall Hospital.
Learn more about his expertise: Robert Anderson - Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon in Glasgow (circlehealthgroup.co.uk)

To see how Ross Hall Hospital can help you, visit:

https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/h...
If you have any of the symptoms outlined in this video, seek professional medical help as soon as possible.

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