Gallstone Surgery - Know The Procedure!

Removal of gallstones is done by removing the gallbladder along with the gallstones through 3-4 small incisions made in the abdomen through laparoscopic gallbladder surgery termed as cholecystectomy. The surgery causes bile to flow from the liver to the small intestine through the common bile duct and there is no change in digestion after surgery. Add the foods back to your diet in a gradual and stepwise manner as recommended for post-op care.

Though the surgeon can give you specific advice relating to your case, returning to a regular diet is possible after surgery, though some food items should be avoided considering the surgery. Gentle exercises, like walking, can be performed, but strenuous exercises can be performed after a period of doctor's recommendation. You can totally return to your normal activities after 7-10 days. Take things slowly after the surgery. Do not get into hasty actions.

There might be a need to perform a special X-ray called intraoperative cholangiography to study the anatomy of the bile ducts. The surgeon will inflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide to see clearly. Then a lighted scope with video camera is entered through an incision near the belly button. Further, using the instrument as a guide, the surgery is performed through other incisions. Use of camera and laparoscopy has simplified this surgery.

Gallbladder surgery may be performed as an outpatient or staying 1 day in the hospital. Normal activities may be resumed in 7 to 10 days. Laparoscopic surgeries leave people sore for only 1 or 2 days and help recover much faster than people who have undergone open surgeries. No diets or other precautionary measures would be needed after a laparoscopic surgery. Introduce high-fibre foods slowly.