Surgery removal of the gallbladder

In Oxford Medical the surgical treatment of acute and chronic cholecystitis is performed in a high-tech surgical in-patient department equipped with modern expert-class devices for accurate diagnostic and operations of high complexity level.

Surgeons of Oxford Medical are top-category doctors with 20-30 years of expertise. They perform innovative minimally invasive surgery, as well as open access laparotomy.

For cholecystitis treatment, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is most often recommended. It allows to remove gallbladder and carry out other medical procedures with the help of only 3 small punctions in the abdomen. The rehabilitation after such surgery is easier and faster than after laparotomy.

Oxford Medical has all the necessary conditions for effective treatment and minimization of complication risk, which cannot be completely excluded even with careful preparation. The clinic has intensive care unit with intensive therapy wards equipped with medical ventilators and other devices to control and maintain the vital body functions.

After the surgery, patients are moved to a comfortable single or double hotel-type room, where they stay under permanent observation of the medical staff till the moment of their discharge.

Cholecystitis is an inflammatory disease of the gallbladder, which is accompanied by impaired outflow of bile produced in it. It may be caused by gallstone disease, biliary dyskinesia, pancreatitis, and the flow of pancreatic enzymes into the gallbladder, helminth infestation, infections, unbalanced diet, hypodynamia, metabolic disorders etc.

Without timely treatment or in the presence of additional risk factors, the disease can become chronic. Alternating periods of remission and exacerbation are typical for it.

Cholecystitis treatment method depends on the form and stage of the disease. In case of non-calculous (without formation of stones in the gall bladder or its ducts) or catarrhal cholecystitis (accompanied by swelling of organ tissues and narrowing of ducts), pharmacological treatment is prescribed. 

Surgical treatment may be needed in the following cases:

• phlegmonous cholecystitis – accompanied by formation of purulent exudate; 

• gangrenous cholecystitis – accompanied by the tissue necrosis of the gallbladder;

• destructive cholecystitis – perforation of the organ walls, formation of fistulas and ulcers;

• gallbladder ruptures;

• gallstone disease;

• obstruction of the bile ducts by concretions;

• cholangitis – bile duct inflammation;

• spread of infection to adjacent organs, peritonitis etc.

Acute cholecystitis with complications requires hospitalization of the patient and emergency operation. In case of chronic inflammation, a planned surgical intervention is performed.

Before the operation, the patient is prescribed a comprehensive examination, which may include:

• abdominal ultrasound;

• computed tomography;

• cholecystocholangiography – gallbladder and duct X-ray with contrast;

• fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS) – endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach;

• laboratory tests;

• fluorography;

• electrocardiography (ECG) and other examinations according to the indications.

Oxford Medical has new equipment that allows to perform innovative minimally invasive operations and employs qualified surgeons with years of expertise.

Patients with acute and chronic cholecystitis usually undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy – the removal of the gallbladder through several punctures in the abdomen less than 1 cm in diameter each. This is the most effective and safe procedure, after which most patients recover quickly.  

The advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

• minimal damage to healthy tissues;

• low risk of postoperative hernia and other complications;

• almost complete absence of pain syndrome after surgery;

• short rehabilitation period;

• the possibility of discharge from the hospital 1-2 days after surgery and quick recovery.

In some cases, instead of laparoscopic cholecystectomy other types of operations are performed, such as:

• laparotomy or open access operation – involves an abdominal wall incision (indications for this type of surgery are gallbladder perforation, peritonitis and other complications);

• mini-cholecystectomy – to access a gallbladder the incision 4 to 8 cm in length is made in the right iliac area (combines advantages of the laparoscopic method and open surgery);

• cholecystectomy – surgery to remove gall bladder stones and installation of a stent to expand the bile ducts (can be performed using laparoscopic or laparotomic method but is only prescribed if there are contraindications to gallbladder removal or high risk of complications).

After surgery, patients are transferred to comfortable single or double rooms, where they remain under round-the-clock medical supervision. Bed rest is required during the first 4-6 hours, after that the doctor performs the examination and allows the patient to sit or get up. The first meal is recommended the next morning.

Most patients may leave the hospital after 24 to 48 hours, but at home they should take the medication prescribed by the doctor, follow a diet and other recommendations. 

In the absence of comorbidities, full recovery usually occurs after 6 months. Patients return to their usual lifestyle without strict dietary restrictions other than recommendation to follow the principles of healthy eating.

The surgical department of Oxford Medical has the latest expert-class medical equipment. Thanks to this, as well as the team of experienced specialists, the clinic has all conditions for performing minimally invasive and open operations of any complexity.

To make an appointment with a doctor, call our contact center or leave a request on the website.