Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy in Chennai

Overview

A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your gallbladder, a small organ situated right below the liver on the upper right side of your abdomen. The procedure is either done laparoscopically (called laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or in the traditional way by cutting open your abdomen (called open cholecystectomy). A cholecystectomy is indicated when you have gallstones, your gallbladder is swollen and painful, or cancer in the gallbladder.

What Is Meant By Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is the surgery done to remove the gall bladder. The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that produces and stores bile, a digestive juice. It is located below your liver, on the upper right side of your abdomen. 

When Is A Cholecystectomy Recommended?

A cholecystectomy is done for the following reasons-

• Cholelithiasis/Gallstones: This is a condition in which tiny stones are formed within the gallbladder. It leads to a terrible pain in the abdomen called gallstone colic.
• Cholecystitis: This is a condition where the gallbladder is inflamed. The organ swells up and becomes red and painful, and you may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and yellow skin and eyes.
• Gallbladder cancer-This is rare cancer. The organ's location makes detecting cancer in the early stages difficult. Abdominal pain and bloating are the commonly reported symptoms.
• Pancreatitis- The presence of gallstones may lead to the inflammation of the pancreas. This produces symptoms of upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Cholecystectomy is of two types, depending on how the surgery is performed.

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy- This is a minimally invasive procedure done with laparoscopes. The surgeon makes tiny incisions on the right side of the abdomen. He then inserts a laparoscope with a tiny camera fitted on it. This helps him to visualize the inside of your abdomen. With the camera guiding him, the gallbladder is removed. The surgery is done under general anesthesia and leaves you with fewer scars.
• Open Cholecystectomy- This is the traditional approach to removing the gallbladder. The gallbladder is removed through a large incision of about 5 to 7 inches on the right side of the abdomen. This surgery leaves you with a large scar.

Depending upon the extent of the disease, your surgeon may decide to remove the gallbladder only or the surrounding tissues. In this case, cholecystectomy may be of the following types

• Simple cholecystectomy- This procedure involves removing only the gallbladder.  This is usually done for simple cases of gallstones or cholelithiasis.
• Radical Cholecystectomy- This procedure is performed in cases of gallbladder cancer, with a high chance of cancer returning. Here is the entire gallbladder, an inch of tissue from the liver, and all the removed lymph nodes in the region. If cancer has spread further, your surgeon may cut off an even bigger part of the liver tissue, the common bile duct, and any organ cancer has spread.

What Is Traditional Cholecystectomy?

A traditional cholecystectomy, also called an open cholecystectomy, is the surgery performed to remove your gall bladder. It involves cutting open your abdomen to remove the gallbladder. This surgery is done under general anesthesia. Large incisions, about 5 to 7 inches long, are made on the upper right side of your abdomen. The surgeon then locates the gallbladder below the liver and removes it. The incisions are then closed with sutures. This surgery leaves behind a large scar.

How Is Traditional Cholecystectomy Different From Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

How To Prepare For Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy?

How To Prepare For Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy? 
An open cholecystectomy is a surgery done to remove your gallbladder. This surgery is recommended for people with gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or cancer. Here is how you prepare for the surgery-

• Before The Surgery
• Your surgeon will thoroughly examine and analyze all your symptoms.
• Routine blood tests, liver function tests, X-rays, and urine examinations will be advised by your surgeon. 
• Imaging tests like USG ( abdomen), CT Scan, or MRI will be advised as needed.
• Your surgeon will explain to you in detail about the surgery and its outlook.
• You must inform your surgeon about
  
  • Allergies to any medicines.
  • Medications that you are currently taking.
  • Dietary supplements are being taken.
  • If you are pregnant or are planning to conceive.
  • You will be advised to stop taking blood thinners a couple of days before surgery as it may lead to excessive bleeding during and after surgery.
     

How Is Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy Performed?

Open cholecystectomy is performed under general anesthesia. The entire procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours. Here is what happens during the surgery.

During The Surgery

• You will be administered general anesthesia.
• The surgeon will make an incision of 5-7 inches on the upper right side of your abdomen, just below your ribs.
• The area is opened so the surgeon can visualize the gallbladder.
• The bile duct and the blood vessels leading to the gallbladder are cut.
• The gallbladder is gently lifted and removed.
• The area is closed with sutures. 
• The surgical site is cleaned and bandaged with proper care.

Once the surgery is completed, you will be shifted to the recovery room and kept under observation.

What Happens After A Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy?

After gallbladder removal surgery in Chennai, you will need to stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days. Here is what you should expect after a traditional cholecystectomy.

After The Surgery

• You will be given fluids through an intravenous (IV) tube. You will be asked to start eating and drinking slowly a day after the surgery.
• You will be asked to start with gentle movements and walking a day after the surgery. A nurse or a physiotherapist will assist you.
• You will be asked to breathe through a spirometer at regular intervals. This helps to keep your lungs working well and prevent pneumonia from developing.
• You will be asked to wear pressure stockings to prevent blood clots.
• Your vitals will be monitored regularly.
• Once all the vital parameters are within normal limits and you can pass urine and stools normally, you will be ready to go home.
• Before discharge, the nurse will explain how to care for your wounds, dress the wound, and the signs and symptoms to look out for.

You will experience pain at the surgery site for a few days. Here are some tips to help you recover faster-

• Rest well. Stay in bed as much as possible as you may feel nauseated and exhausted.
• Keep the surgical area dry. Shower only as advised.
• Eat a bland diet free of too much oil and spices for a few weeks post-surgery.
• Drink plenty of water and consume a lot of fresh, fibrous fruits and veggies. This helps to prevent constipation. Use a laxative if needed.
• Avoid strenuous activities until the wounds heal completely. Working out in the gym, lifting and pushing heavy objects, and other activities that may cause a strain on your abdomen should be avoided for at least 4 weeks.

What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Traditional (Open) Cholecystectomy?

Surgery is usually recommended when all other treatment in Chennai methods have not yielded the desired results. Hence, if you have been advised to have a cholecystectomy, it is best to get it done as early as possible. As with all surgeries, an open cholecystectomy has its share of risks and benefits.

Benefits of Open Cholecystectomy

• It ensures complete relief from the symptoms.
• Chances of recurrence of symptoms are nil as the gallbladder is removed.
• It is useful to access the extent of damage and, if needed, remove the other affected organs in the same surgery.

Risks of Open Cholecystectomy

• There is a chance of damage to the blood vessels of the liver, the bile duct, the liver, and the pancreas.
• It is a painful procedure that leaves behind a large scar.
• It has a longer recovery time.
• The large incision can make you prone to developing incisional hernias.

Why choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!