What is it and when is it considered?
Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is considered when there are stones in the gallbladder or in a bile duct, and for certain gallbladder diseases, according to the medical assessment.
Which symptoms usually lead to a consultation?
- Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Episodes of pain after meals
- Nausea
- Complications such as an inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis)
How is it treated?
In most patients it is performed through small incisions (3 or 4) with a camera and specialised instruments. In specific circumstances a different approach may be needed.
What are preparation and recovery like?
Ultrasound, laboratory tests and anaesthetic risk are reviewed for each case. Recovery and the return to normal activities depend on how each patient progresses.
