What to Expect During Your Gallbladder Surgery at a Kolkata Hospital

If you have been diagnosed with gallstones or any other complications in the gallbladder, you might have been recommended gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy. However, for most patients, the idea of surgical intervention brings a mix of anxiety and fear. 

What will happen at the hospital? How will the procedure be carried out? Will there be any pain? How long is the recovery period? These are some of the common concerns individuals have, and they are quite valid. 

Gallbladder removal surgery has become increasingly widespread due to the rise in the prevalence of chronic gallbladder issues. Gallbladder conditions, when left untreated, lead to abdominal pain, digestive discomfort and several other complications. 

Unlike the open procedure that involved the removal of the gallbladder through large incisions, modern treatment options ensure a smooth and safe experience for the patient, says Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata. 

This blog will explore what patients can expect while undergoing gallbladder surgery, right from pre-operation to recovery. 

Understanding Gallbladder Surgery 

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ located under the liver and is responsible for storing and releasing bile. The fluid helps in digesting fats by breaking them down into more manageable pieces for better absorption. 

However, at times, gallstones form in the gallbladder or it develop issues like inflammation, scarring and infections, which cause serious and ongoing symptoms. In such situations, gallbladder removal surgery becomes necessary as an effective solution. 

There are two approaches to gallbladder surgery. 

1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a tiny laparoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached) along with surgical tools to remove the gallbladder. The method is preferred by most gallbladder surgeons in Kolkata, including leading names like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, due to the several benefits it offers, like the following:

• Less postoperative pain, 
• No visible scarring 
• Shorter hospital stay.
• Faster recovery

2. Open Cholecystectomy

Also known as the conventional method, in certain cases, such as severe inflammation or infection, the surgeon might suggest an open procedure, which involves a larger incision in the upper right abdomen to remove the gallbladder. This technique has certain drawbacks, such as 

• Longer hospital stay
• Higher risk of complications
• Longer recovery time
• More visible scarring

What to Expect: Before the Surgery

Consultation 

Before proceeding with the surgery, the surgeon will make a thorough assessment of your condition, including a physical examination of the symptoms, an ultrasound or a CT scan of the abdomen and blood tests to detect liver function. Your healthcare provider will also ask about the individual’s patient history and current medications. 

Pre-operative instructions 

There are certain instructions that you need to follow for a successful surgery. For example, 

• You may be asked to fast for 6–8 hours before surgery.
• You might also need to stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, as they can interfere with healing. 
• You will be advised to stop consuming alcohol or quit smoking before it leads to increased complications. 
• Make sure to take care of your personal hygiene, like avoiding shaving the area near the surgical site, taking a shower or wearing comfortable clothes. 

During the surgery: Day at the hospital 

The procedure 

Once prepared, you will be taken to the operating theatre where anaesthesia will be administered to ensure that you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Depending on the condition, the gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata will perform any of the techniques. 

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

As mentioned, here, 3 to 4 small incisions are made in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas is used to inflate the abdomen, providing a clear view for the surgeon to remove the gallbladder using the laparoscope and other surgical instruments. Once it is done, the incisions are closed with sutures. The whole procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete. 

Open cholecystectomy

In this method, the gallbladder surgeon makes a large cut about 5 to 7 inches long to access the abdomen and remove the gallbladder. The incision is then closed with stitches. It takes a longer time to complete the whole procedure. 

Post surgery 

After the procedure, you might feel a little discomfort, abdominal soreness, nausea and vomiting, but these are normal and managed with medicines. If it is a laparoscopic procedure, you will be discharged on the same day or the next morning; however, if it is an open method, patients are expected to stay in the hospital for 3 to 4 days for initial monitoring. 

After the Surgery: Recovery 

Once you are discharged from the hospital, certain precautionary guidelines need to be followed to ensure a quick and safe recovery. Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, a top gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, recommends the following. 

Precautionary guidelines after gallbladder removal surgery 

• Avoid heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks.
• Eat small, low-fat meals initially
• Keep your surgical wounds clean and dry.
• Attend all follow-up appointments.

Life after gallbladder surgery 

Most individuals are able to live a normal life after removal of the gallbladder, although some might experience temporary digestive issues like bloating, mild indigestion and loose stools.

Your body will still produce enough bile to digest food; the only difference is that instead of being stored in the gallbladder, the bile will now directly flow from the liver to the intestine, stated Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, the best gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Gallbladder Surgery? 

Just like any other surgical intervention, gallbladder surgery comes with certain drawbacks. Though rare, here are the complications individuals face. 

1. Bleeding 
2. Infections 
3. Injury to the bile duct 
4. Blood clots 
5. Inflammation of the pancreas
6. Allergic reaction to anaesthesia 

Hence, it is always necessary to choose an experienced gallbladder surgeon for an excellent surgical outcome and recovery. 

Conclusion 

Whether you are opting for laparoscopic or open gallbladder removal surgery, educate yourself on the procedure. Consult a reputed gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, like Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik, to understand the process and get back the expert care. With the right treatment and guidance, it is possible to lead a pain-free and healthy life ahead.