The gallbladder is a small organ in the abdomen that stores bile. Bile is necessary to digest fat that people take with food.

Unlike other cancers, Gallbladder cancer is not very common. It is also treatable in the early stages. However, in most cases, Gallbladder Cancer is detected in late stages. At these stages, the chance of a recovery is remote. What makes early diagnosis uncommon is the absence of specific signs or symptoms.

However, there are some signs that people need to look out for.

Signs of Gallbladder Cancer

Though there are not many specific symptoms, following signs can indicate a broad range of abnormalities, including some cancers.

Pain in the upper right quadrant of abdomen

Bloating

Fever

Weight loss

A feeling of nausea

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (sign of jaundice)

Many of these symptoms may involve other organs or indicate completely different ailments. This is why people need to see the symptoms in light of other concomitant symptoms and gauge the seriousness of the problems. If a person feels that a particular symptom is not solely a gastrointestinal problem, rush to the doctor immediately.

Causes of Gallbladder Cancer

Causes of Gallbladder Cancer are not entirely clear. However, in most cases, cancer spreads from the glandular cells of the gallbladder. These cells are found in the inner body of the gallbladder. This is also known as Adenocarcinoma. Slowly, it spreads from the inner body to other organs of the body.

Risk Factors

Though the reasons for Gallbladder Cancer are not yet known, certainly there are some factors that exacerbate the risk:

Gender
More women than men suffer from Gallbladder Cancer.

Age
The risk of Gallbladder Cancer increases with age.

History of Gallbladder Stone
It has been observed that most of the Gallbladder Cancer patients have had a history of gallbladder stones. However, this does not mean that Gallbladder Cancer is common in people with a history of gallbladder stone.

Chronic gallbladder infection, gallbladder polyps, etc. can increase the risk of Gallbladder Cancer.

Stages of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder Cancer is categorized into different stages in accordance with its spread:

Stage I
If cancer is confined within the glandular cells of gallbladder, it is put in this stage.

Stage II
If cancer has grown out of the inner layers and has invaded the outer layer of the organ, it is put in the second stage.

Stage III
If cancer has grown to such an extent as to invade nearby organs like liver, stomach, small intestine, etc., Gallbladder Cancer is put in this stage.

Stage IV
The last stage of Gallbladder Cancer is characterized by large tumors, taking into their fold multiple organs in the vicinity. Tumors may also spread to distant parts of the body.

Treatments of the Gallbladder Cancer

The treatments depend a lot on the stage of cancer and overall health. The primary goal is to remove the diseased gallbladder. It may also be possible to resect part of the liver and bile duct along with the gallbladder.

However, if that is not possible, doctors may need to resort to other therapies to prevent the disease from spreading. This may involve Radiation Therapy or Chemotherapy or a combination of both.

There are many treatments available for Gallbladder Cancer depending upon the severity of the cancer. This is why it is important to consult a doctor before opting for any treatment.

Gallbladder Cancer - Signs, Causes & Treatment Of It!

Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder as a result of the deposits caused by the bile, a type of digestive fluid. Actually, the gallbladder stores bile and releases it into the duodenum (part of the small intestine) for the digestion of fats. However, when the gallbladder is unable to release the bile properly, the bile deposits start building up and manifest in the form of stones. These stones vary in size, ranging from tiny sand-like grains to big golf ball-like stones.

Symptoms of gallstones: Many times, individuals have stones in their gallbladder and yet they do not experience any discomfort. These stones are very small in size and therefore, do not cause trouble. This is why they are called silent stones and for such individuals, treatment is not needed. But if an individual experiences discomfort, it is a signal for treatment. The signals come in the form of specific symptoms such as pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, pain between the shoulder blades, nausea, vomiting, fever, and even jaundice.

Causes of gallstones: Gallstones may result due to common. Excess bilirubin produced by the liver causes hard, dark brown stones called pigment gallstones. Even when the gallbladder cannot empty the bile, stones are formed due to the concentration of bile.

Treatment: Once gallstones are detected through a CT scan or ultrasound, the doctor begins the course of treatment. Gallstones can be removed only through surgery. In surgery, the gallbladder is removed to help the bile flow directly into the duodenum from the liver. This surgery is called cholecystectomy and it is a safe procedure. The removal of gallbladder does not affect the digestive system in any way. 

Prevention: Gallstones can form in any individual s gallbladder but some people are more susceptible to the condition. Such individuals include women over 40, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, obese/overweight individuals, and those with a family history of gallstones. Therefore, such people should be aware of the risk they face. If such individuals report any symptoms related to gallbladder stones, they should get it diagnosed immediately. Apart from this, one should also keep a check on the diet. A high-fat or high-cholesterol diet should be replaced with a high-fiber diet and one should also take meals on time. Not eating anything for long hours and fasting increases the risk of gallstones. Regular exercise also helps in this matter. Last but not the least, one should drink plenty of water as it regulates the functioning of the liver and prevents the formation of stones. Gallstones are a common disorder but they cause difficulties for the patient and hence, one should get it treated on time. If surgery is recommended, one should not delay it and get it done as soon as possible. Delay only aggravates the problem.

Gallstones - What All Should You Know About It?

Gall bladder is a very important digestive gland, which is located on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. Its main function is to collect, store and release bile, a digestive fluid produced in your liver, essential for metabolizing fats, into your small intestine.

Sometimes, small hard stones comprising of cholesterol, bile pigments and calcium salts in the shape of a pebble, can form in your gall bladder. Gallstones may cause no symptoms but when the gallstone lodges in ducts and blocks the flow of bile, it can cause persistent high-intensity pain which requires gallstone surgery.

Surgery is then prescribed to remove the gall bladder. This surgery is called cholecystectomy. It s done when there are

Gallstones in the gallbladder
Gallstones in the bile duct
Gallbladder inflammation
Inflammation in pancreas
Gallstone surgery or cholecystectomy is a common surgery, and it comes with only a small risk of complications and you can walk out of the hospital on the day of the surgery itself.

Procedure

Minimally invasive or laparoscopic cholecystectomy
During this procedure, the surgeon makes 4 tiny incisions in your abdomen and inserts a tube with a tiny video camera inside it.
Through a video monitor, the surgeon watches while he inserts surgical tools through the other 3 incisions to remove your gallbladder.
After the surgery, the surgeon confirms that there are no gallstones left. Once this is done, he sutures your incisions and you are taken to the recovery area. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy takes just 2 hours or so.
But the problem with this procedure is that it  not appropriate for everyone. Sometimes, what happens is that, the surgeon may start with a laparoscopic surgery and then may decide to go for an open gallstone surgery because of scar tissue or complications.
Traditional or open cholecystectomy
This procedure requires a bigger incision of about 6-inches in your abdomen, below your ribs on the right side. The liver and gallbladder are exposed and the surgeon removes the gallbladder.
An open cholecystectomy takes one or two hours.
Single-incision Laparoscopy Surgery

Traditional laparoscopic surgeries use a telescopic rod attached to a video camera called a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision. Apart from this, 3 to 5 additional small cuts are made to insert the other surgical instruments to perform the surgery.

However, single-incision laparoscopy surgery (SILS) is a revolutionary minimally invasive surgical procedure conducted through a single incision. It provides a better cosmetic outcome, as a small incision is made through the patient s navel or belly button, resulting in an almost scarless outcome.

Indications

Most patients who are good candidates for laparoscopic surgery are eligible for single-port procedures. Some of the surgeries that single incision laparoscopy is indicated for include cholecystectomy (removal of gall bladder), appendectomy (removal of appendix), splenectomy (removal of spleen), hepatectomy (removal of liver) and adrenalectomy (removal of adrenal glands). SILS can also be used for diagnostic purposes.

However, patients who have previously undergone multiple major surgeries to the abdominal region and those who are morbidly obese are not considered for SILS.

Procedure

Single Incision Laparoscopy is usually performed as day surgery either in the hospital or outpatient surgery center under general, regional, or occasionally local anesthesia depending on the type of procedure performed and the surgeon s preference.

The patient is made to lie down in a tilted position so that the feet are placed higher than the head. The surgeon makes a single incision of about 3/4th of an inch at the belly button and injects a harmless gas to expand the area and obtain a clear view of the operative site. A tube called a trocar or port is placed through the incision, through which the laparoscope (a narrow telescope having a light source and camera) and tiny surgical instruments are inserted. The laparoscope guides your surgeon with images of the abdominal contents that can be viewed on a large screen. Once the diseased organ is excised, your surgeon removes the instruments, releases the gas, and closes the incision with a small bandage.

Recovery

Common post-operative guidelines following Single Incision laparoscopy include the following:

You will need someone to drive you home after you are released as the anesthesia may make you feel groggy and tired
Do not remove the dressing over the incision for the first two days and keep the area clean and dry.  No showering or bathing during this time.  The incision usually heals in about 5 days
Your surgeon may give you activity restrictions such as no heavy lifting. It is very important that you follow your surgeon s instructions for a successful recovery
You may feel soreness around the incision area. Your surgeon may give you a prescription pain medicine or recommend NSAID s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for the first few days to keep you comfortable
If the abdomen was distended with gas, you may experience discomfort in the abdomen, chest, or shoulder area for a couple days while the excess gas is being absorbed
Diet

You must be very careful with your diet after gallstone removal as your body will not be able to digest fats well. You will of course be sticking to a liquid diet for a week or two and then introduce solids back into your diet. When you do so, you have to stick to a low fat diet. Stay off fried foods and gas-forming foods. Also make sure that you consume no more than 60 gm of fats per meal to avoid discomfort. Stay off spicy foods to avoid bloats and abdominal pains.

Gallbladder Surgery - Aftercare Tips To Help You Recover Better!

What is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)?

Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. Gallbladder removal surgery is usually performed with minimally invasive techniques and the medical name for this procedure is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy or Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that rests beneath the right side of the liver. Its main purpose is to collect and concentrate a digestive liquid (bile) produced by the liver. Bile is released from the gallbladder after eating, aiding digestion. Bile travels through narrow tubular channels (bile ducts) into the small intestine. Removal of the gallbladder is not associated with any impairment of digestion in most people.

What Causes Gallbladder Problems?

Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of gallstones which are usually small and hard, consisting primarily of cholesterol and bile salts that form in the gallbladder or in the bile duct.

It is uncertain why some people form gallstones but risk factors include being female, prior pregnancy, age over 40 years and being overweight. Gallstones are also more common as you get older and some people may have a family history of gallstones. There is no known means to prevent gallstones.

These stones may block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, causing it to swell and resulting in sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and, occasionally, fever. If the gallstone blocks the common bile duct, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) can occur.

Diagnosing 

Ultrasound is most commonly used to find gallstones.
In a few more complex cases, other X-ray test such as a CT scan or a gallbladder nuclear medicine scan may be used to evaluate gallbladder disease.
Gallstones do not go away on their own. Some can be temporarily managed by making dietary adjustments, such as reducing fat intake. This treatment has a low, short-term success rate. Symptoms will eventually continue unless the gallbladder is removed. Treatments to break up or dissolve gallstones are largely unsuccessful.

Surgical removal of the gallbladder is the time-honored and safest treatment of gallbladder disease.

What are the Advantages of Performing Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal?

Rather than a five to seven inch incision, the operation requires only four small openings in the abdomen.
Patients usually have minimal post-operative pain.
Patients usually experience faster recovery than open gallbladder surgery patients.
Most patients go home the same day of the surgery and enjoy a quicker return to normal activities.
Are you a Candidate?

Although there are many advantages to laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), the procedure may not be appropriate for some patients who have severe complicated gallbladder disease or previous upper abdominal surgery. A thorough medical evaluation by your personal physician, in consultation with a surgeon trained in laparoscopy, can determine if laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is an appropriate procedure for you.


Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal Surgery!

Following are some common Gall Bladder and Biliary Disorders. Read on to know in brief about them. 

1. Gall stones: Gall stones also known as cholelitiasis is a condition in which gall bladder contains stones or calculi. Usually, these stones are asymptomatic and do not cause any trouble to the patients. Few patients experience recurrent right upper abdominal pain. This condition is known as biliary colic and if it persists, the patiet is adviced gall bladder removal surgery. Sometimes the patient presents with severe right upper abdominal pain with fever and deranged Liver function tests. This condition is known as acute cholecystitis. The surgery is minimally invasive and is called Laproscopic cholecystectomy. If there are dense adhesions, the surgeon may plan to convert the surgery to open cholecystectomy. The patient is usually discharged by day 3 of surgery.

2. Common bile duct stone or choledocholithiasis: Occasionally stone from the gall bladder slips into the common bile duct (CBD stone).This causes obstruction of the bile duct causing Fever, abdominal pain and Jaundice. This is called Cholangitis and is a medical emergency. The patient requires urgent hospitalisation and decompression of the bile duct by inserting a plastic stent in the CBD with the help of ERCP. Severe untreated cholangitis can be life threatenig.CBD Stones which are detected because of dull aching abdominal pain, deranged liver function tests or by ultrasonography also need removal. The CBD stone is removed by an endoscopic modality called ERCP, which is minimally invasive and needs no surgery.

3. Bile duct cancer or cholangiocarcinoma: Cancer of bile duct usually occurs in the elderly patients who present with gradually progressive jaundice. Because of the obstruction to the flow of bile, produced in the liver, the patient develops jaundice. Gastroenterologists examine the patient and CT scan abdomen with MRCP is required to fully evaluate the stage and extent of the tumour. The treatment is multimodality and requires the expertise of Radiologists, Surgeons, Oncologists and gastroenterologists. The Gastroenterologists can help in decreasing Jaundice by inserting plastic or a metal stent (SEMS self-expanding metal stent ) in the common bile duct. These are very aggressive tumours and very few patients are fit for surgery. Survival is very low for these tumours.

4. Gall bladder cancer: Gall bladder cancers are very aggressive and lethal cancers. The patients present with obstructive Jaundice and Itching all over the body. Definitive treatment is surgery but very patients present in the early stage. Advanced stage cancers are treated with palliative intent by metal stenting (SEMS for cancer of gall bladder) to reduce jaundice.

Learn More About Gall Bladder And Biliary Disorders!

Surgeons perform the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure when there is an obstruction to the flow of bile from the gallbladder to the digestive system. This may happen due to the formation of stones in the gallbladder. 

In case there is stone in the gallbladder, it calls for the removal of gallbladder. If the gallbladder is not removed, it may give rise to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, pain in the shoulder, arms, etc. It may also lead to jaundice and infection and put the pancreas in difficulty. The gallbladder removal procedure can be carried out through the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

In this procedure, the gallbladder is removed from the abdomen through small incisions using a laparoscope and other surgical instruments. A total of five incisions are made into the abdomen.

Role of Gallbladder and Why Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is Needed?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ located at the right side of the liver. It helps the digestive system of the body. The gallbladder stores the bile juice made by the liver. This bile juice helps in digesting the fat. If there are stones in the gallbladder, it can block the flow of bile fluid, which affects the functionality of digestive system. This problem is known as Gallstones. A Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is performed when there is a stone in the gallbladder.

What Is a Laparoscope and How Is It Used?

A laparoscope is a narrow tube-like structure that carries a camera in front of it. This instrument is inserted through a small incision and the doctor manipulates it to view the targeted area clearly. He can view the area clearly on the monitor. Surgical instruments are then inserted through other incisions, and the gallbladder is removed.

The Procedure:

Before the procedure, the patient is administered with general anesthesia. This relaxes the muscles and prevents pain. The patient falls asleep and the doctor carries out the procedure. Carbon dioxide is inserted into the abdomen to inflate it. After this, a small incision is made in the navel and the laparoscope is inserted through it. The surgeon may also perform an X-ray to confirm the existence of stones in the common bile duct. Once he is confirmed about the existence of stones, he inserts surgical instruments through other incisions. The surgeon removes the gallbladder through these incisions.

What Are the Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure?

There are many benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy over open gallbladder removal:

The patient suffers less discomfort compared to regular surgery.

The patient also needs to stay in the hospital for a lesser number of days as compared to open surgery.

The patient also suffers smaller tears as compared to open surgery.

Risks of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:

The risk of complications is low in a laparoscopic procedure. However, there are still some risks, that include:

Infection

Business

Injury to the common bile duct

Shoulder Pain

Leakage of Bile

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become a popular option for patients suffering from gallbladder stone. Surgeons often suggest this procedure so that patients can recover quickly and there is minimal bleeding. However, the laparoscopic surgeon must be experienced to perform this type of surgery. An experienced laparoscopic surgeon can ensure that there are minimal bleeding and little risk of other side effects during the procedure. The patient must be able to recover quickly and get back to his routine.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure!

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