What Is The Difference Between An Open And A Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Why is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy preferred over Traditional Open Cholecystectomy? Let us know both the methods in detail.

The term ‘Cholesystectomy’ stands for the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is a common surgical procedure to remove gallstones or to treat other gallbladder conditions. The surgery is performed using general anesthesia. Anaesthesia drugs are given through a vein in the arm. After the patient goes to sleep, a tube is inserted down the throat to help him breathe. There are two different ways of performing the surgery- laparoscopic or open. Let us find out how the two methods are performed.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery is done by making four small incisions in the abdomen. A video camera is inserted through one of the incisions in the abdomen. The surgery is done by watching a video monitor in the operating theatre while using surgical tools inserted through other incisions in the abdomen. The gallbladder is then removed through one of the incisions. An X-ray or an ultrasound can be performed later on to make sure if there aren’t any gallstones left or any other complications. Later on, the incisions are sutured. The surgery takes around one to two hours. The patient is then taken to a recovery area. Most patients are discharged from the hospital the same or next day of the surgery. Once at home, it takes about a week to fully recover. This type results in less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer complications such as an infection.

Open Cholecystectomy: Open or traditional cholecystectomy is done by making one 15 cms incision in the abdomen below the edge of the right ribcage. The muscle and tissues are then pulled back to reveal the liver and gallbladder followed by the removal of the gallbladder. The incision is sutured. The surgery takes one to two hours. After being taken t the recovery area, patients are recommended to spend the next two to three days in the hospital. Once at home, it may take four to six weeks to fully recover. This type is associated with greater postoperative pain and wound infections including a chance of developing an incisional hernia.

After a detailed comparison of both the procedure, it can be concluded that the laparoscopic method is the most advanced approach in the field of gallbladder stone surgery. Although, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has replaced open cholecystectomy as the first choice, sometimes the former is converted to the latter for technical reasons or safety.