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If you are diagnosed with gallbladder disease and have been asked to undergo surgery, it is important to be well-informed about the procedure.
Undergoing gallbladder surgery can be a bit of a daunting experience, especially when you don’t know what to expect. Whether you are suffering from gallstones or chronic inflammation in the gallbladder, asking the right questions to your surgeon and getting to know the answers will help you feel more confident before the operation.
Now, you might be wondering what questions I should ask my surgeon. In this blog, we will list some of the common doubts which most patients have and even provide expert-backed answers.
The prevalence of gallbladder issues is on the rise among individuals due to a combination of factors such as lifestyle, diet and genetic predisposition. In mild cases, medications and changes in the daily routine do work, but the percentage is very rare.
To get permanent relief, gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is the most effective procedure. If you are considering the operation, you can consult a skilled gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata like Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, who has performed many surgical interventions and can guide you through a safe experience.
When the gallbladder loses its ability to function properly, patients experience a lot of troublesome signs. Here are some of them.
These symptoms vary in severity. Moreover, they might also indicate other gastrointestinal issues. Hence, if the discomfort is not improving, make sure to consult your healthcare provider for prompt diagnosis.
Open communication with your surgeon helps patients to understand every aspect of the surgery, right from pre-procedure to post-care. So, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask questions and clear your doubts.
If you are not sure what to discuss, below are the top 10 questions you can ask.
Understanding the urgency of the surgical intervention is necessary, as it helps to prevent serious complications. Consult with your surgeon if you are suffering from serious problems like gallbladder rupture or infections. As the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, Dr Purnendu Bhowmik advises patients not to delay surgery as treatment becomes complicated. It is okay to wait for a few days or a week, but not more than that.
There are two different approaches to gallbladder surgery – the open method and the laparoscopic procedure. An open or conventional procedure involves making large incisions in the abdomen, while the latter is minimally invasive and requires small incisions. Discuss with your surgeon the pros and cons of each technique to know which option is best suited for you.
The laparoscopic method has become the preferred choice among many surgeons and patients because of its minimally invasive nature and faster recovery. However, the eligibility for the procedure depends on factors such as the overall health, severity of the condition and whether the patient has undergone any previous abdominal surgeries. Your gallbladder surgeon will perform the necessary tests and recommend the safest option.
Every surgery comes with some risks, especially if not performed by an experienced surgeon. Hence, have a discussion with your doctor about the potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, injury to the bile duct and surrounding areas or even anaesthesia-related allergies. Most of the gallbladder surgeons in Kolkata will explain these risks and also inform you of the warning signs during recovery.
Before the operation, your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination to ensure the best possible outcome. For instance, you will be recommended imaging tests like a CT scan and asked to provide blood samples. Based on the results of these tests, your surgeon will understand if you are fit for the surgery or if there are any structural abnormalities that might hinder surgical intervention.
Knowing the exact recovery time is crucial before you start planning to return to your daily routine. The healing period is generally 4-6 weeks to a few months; however, ask your gallbladder surgeon about your recovery time, including how long you are required to stay at the hospital or when you can resume normal activities.
Your body needs time to adjust without a gallbladder. Till that time, you are required to take dietary precautions to ease digestion. Know from your surgeon what to eat and what not to eat to prevent discomfort and promote faster healing.
Yes, you are required to make temporary changes in your life to let your body heal properly. For instance, you are required to take plenty of rest, avoid strenuous activities, and refrain from lifting heavy objects. It is also important to stay alert for any complications such as fever, swelling and pain.
After the procedure, most patients experience pain at the site of the incision. The discomfort is normal and temporary. To give relief, you will be prescribed over-the-counter pain management medicines. You can apply hot or cold pads to the area. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions properly for a quick recovery.
After gallbladder surgery, you are required to attend a few follow-up appointments to let your gallbladder surgeon monitor the incisions and remove the sutures if needed. You might also need additional visits in case of any complications or changes in your dietary patterns.
It is normal to panic before undergoing gallbladder surgery; however, equipping yourself with the right knowledge and choosing the right gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata will ensure positive surgical outcomes.