Useful Information Concerning Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery Houston Patients Need To Have

By Jeffrey Wilson


The gall bladder is a small tubular organ that is found adjacent to the liver. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile juice, an important chemical for the digestive process. Conditions affecting the organ such as the presence of bile stones often require surgical intervention. If they have been scheduled to undergo laparoscopic gallbladder surgery Houston patients need to know a number of things about the procedure.

There are many potential problems that may affect the bladder. Infections and formation of gall stones are the commonest. The stones are made up of cholesterol and bile salts. The biggest complications that these stones pose is the risk of blocking the path used by bile. When this happens, a buildup bilirubin ensues resulting in a phenomenon known as obstructive jaundice.

This surgical operation is usually done when the patient has been put under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes three incisions in the abdomen to be used for the entry of the surgical instruments. An instrument known as a laparoscope is the main piece of equipment used and hence the name of the procedure. The laparoscope helps the surgeon to cut and suture as well as remove the gall stones.

Your doctor may request some tests to help them make a diagnosis. Ultrasound scans are among the most effective modalities in diagnosing gall stones. If other problems are suspected as well, additional investigations will be required. These may include, for instance, radionuclide images, CT scans and X-rays. Dietary changes are sometimes recommended to provide symptomatic relief but it should be noted that surgical intervention is the only definitive management of gall bladder stones.

The doctor will recommended some tests to aid in evaluating the problem. Ultrasound imaging is among the most important test when it comes to diagnosing conditions affecting the gall bladder. Complex cases may necessitate the use of other modalities as well. These will include, for example, X-rays, CT scans and even radionuclide images. Although non-invasive methods such as dietary changes are at times recommended, the definitive treatment for gall stones is surgical removal.

The small size of incisions used in this procedures allows patients to leave the hospital earlier than is the case with the open technique. In most cases, patients are allowed home on the same day. In contrast, an average of three days of admission are required when the open technique is used. Another major advantage is the fact that one can resume work after about a week which is a lot less than the four weeks recommended for the open surgery.

There are a number of conditions that are known to affect the bladder. Examples include gall stones, infections and tumors among others. Gall stones are the commonest of the three. The stones are made up of bile salts and cholesterol. The reason as to why they need to be removed is that they may block the flow of bile which in turn causes a condition known as obstructive jaundice.

The removal of gall stones using laparoscopic surgery is by far the most popular treatment for this condition. It is a minimally invasive technique that is associated with very few complications. Additionally, it is a procedure that can be done in virtually any individual with the problem.




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