Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal

Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal Procedure
In traditional gallbladder removal procedures, the surgeon was required to make a long (approximately 6 to 8 inches)incision in the abdomen, starting just below the ribs on the right side of the body, extending down to the waist.

The laparoscopic approach enables the surgeon to make 3 to 4 very small incisions through which the laparoscope, a long, thin tube equipped with a camera at one and that enables the surgeon to view the surgical field on a monitor or screen in the operating room, is inserted along with specialized operating instruments that require minimal movement by the surgeon to anchor, repair, or remove a specific organ such as the gallbladder.

Prior to the surgical procedure, x-rays will be taken and blood work analyzed. The surgeon may request a clear liquid diet for one to three days prior to the surgical procedure and any type of blood thinners will be discontinued prior to the surgery.

The patient will be placed under general anesthesia to sleep during the operation. A cannula, a long, narrow tube is inserted through a very small incision beneath the naval, through which the laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope functions like a small telescope or camera, transmitting images from inside the body to a computer screen or monitor in the operating room.

Two or three other cannulas will be inserted into very small incisions in the abdomen which allow the insertion of specialized instruments that enabled the surgeon to remove the gallbladder through one of the small incisions.