Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Pre-Op Discussion
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gallbladder using telescopes which are placed through several small incisions in the navel and along the lower edge of the rib cage. When this way of removing the gallbladder became popular in the 1990’s, surgical lasers were used; however, with refinements in the technique it is now safer to perform this surgery without the laser. This procedure is most commonly performed for symptomatic gallstones or biliary dyskinesia. Your surgeon, in consultation with you and your primary care physician, will decide if it is best done as an outpatient or 23 hour observation procedure.
As with any operation, there are possible complications which may result during the time of surgery. Your risk with anesthesia may be increased by any other illnesses or diseases that you have or medications that you are taking. Below are listed the most common, but not all possible, complications associated with this operation.
1. Conversion to an open procedure (5%)
- Anatomy
- Bleeding
- Inflammation/swelling
2. Post-operative bleeding.
3. Post-operative bile leak – treated with endoscopic placement of stent for several months.
4. Injury to bile ducts – 1 out of every 2000 patients.
5. Diarrhea – 10-15% of patients; usually resolves within 3 months, but may by permanent.
6. Infection
7. Shoulder pain
8. Failure of cholecystectomy to relieve any or all of your symptoms.
Questions: If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call our main office number at (423) 267-0466.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Pre-Op Discussion
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gallbladder using telescopes which are placed through several small incisions in the navel and along the lower edge of the rib cage. When this way of removing the gallbladder became popular in the 1990’s, surgical lasers were used; however, with refinements in the technique it is now safer to perform this surgery without the laser. This procedure is most commonly performed for symptomatic gallstones or biliary dyskinesia. Your surgeon, in consultation with you and your primary care physician, will decide if it is best done as an outpatient or 23 hour observation procedure.
As with any operation, there are possible complications which may result during the time of surgery. Your risk with anesthesia may be increased by any other illnesses or diseases that you have or medications that you are taking. Below are listed the most common, but not all possible, complications associated with this operation.
1. Conversion to an open procedure (5%)
- Anatomy
- Bleeding
- Inflammation/swelling
2. Post-operative bleeding.
3. Post-operative bile leak – treated with endoscopic placement of stent for several months.
4. Injury to bile ducts – 1 out of every 2000 patients.
5. Diarrhea – 10-15% of patients; usually resolves within 3 months, but may by permanent.
6. Infection
7. Shoulder pain
8. Failure of cholecystectomy to relieve any or all of your symptoms.
Questions: If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call our main office number at (423) 267-0466.
