Frequently Asked Questions About Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder disorders are a significant problem that affects a vast majority of people, but only a few of them experience the symptoms or complications. Pain is a common sign of gallbladder; however, it is mostly ignored because the pain often comes and goes until it turns an ugly turn. Sometimes the pain is mild, and at other times, it becomes so severe that individuals have no other options than to undergo gallbladder surgery.

Gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a common procedure that is done to remove the gallbladder when the surgeon has no other option, especially if it’s gallstones. Before having the surgery, many patients have questions about what will happen to them after the procedure and what kind of results they can expect.

Below are some frequently asked questions, answered by a gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata, which will help alleviate your concerns about the procedure.

Top 5 Most Common Gallbladder Surgery Questions which Patients Often Ask

Here are the prevailing FAQs to get a better understanding of this surgical intervention.

• When is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?

Gallbladder surgery becomes necessary if there are stones in the organ that can cause symptoms like pain, nausea and other digestive problems. Other conditions when a gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata suggests the procedure are when the organ becomes inflamed or infected (cholecystitis), pancreatitis or gallbladder cancer when removing the organ becomes necessary to prevent further complications.

• Is Gallbladder Surgery Safe?

Gallbladder surgery is safe only if it is performed by an experienced surgeon who has a high success rate. Otherwise, it might come with risks such as infection, bleeding, or digestive issues. Moreover, with the popularity of the laparoscopic technique, gallbladder surgery is no longer painful and has even improved the recovery period.

• What are the Different Types of Gallbladder Surgery?

There are typically two types of gallbladder procedures, as mentioned below:

Open Cholecystectomy: This is the traditional approach and involves making a large incision in the abdomen to remove the gallbladder. This procedure is recommended when the disease is complicated.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: It is a non-invasive approach and requires making small incisions in the abdomen with the help of a laparoscopic (a thin instrument with a camera attached).

• How Long is the Recovery Period?

The recovery period depends upon the type of surgery performed. In the case of open cholecystectomy, the patient might need a month to heal completely. Whereas in laparoscopic procedures, patients can return to their normal activities within a week or two. During the healing process, it is advised to follow your surgeon’s instructions for a safe and quick recovery.

• What are the Dietary Restrictions after the Procedure?

There are generally no mandatory dietary precautions that patients are required to stick to after the surgery. However, during the healing process, it is recommended that you avoid high-fat, processed, spicy and oily foods to prevent indigestion and adjust to the changes.

Conclusion

Understanding the reasons for gallbladder surgery and the recovery period is important, as it will help ease your anxiety. Moreover, if you have any further questions, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Purnendu Bhowmik. He is a well-recognised gallbladder surgeon in Kolkata who is known for his patient-centric approach and will give you personalised guidance.