Gall bladder stones, also known as gallstones, are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can form in your gallbladder. These stones can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.
Symptoms:
- Pain: Typically in the upper right abdomen, can be severe and may radiate to the back or right shoulder.
- Nausea and vomiting: Especially after meals.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
- Fever and chills: If the gallbladder becomes infected.
Causes:
- Imbalance in the substances that make up bile, such as cholesterol and bilirubin.
- Overweight or obesity.
- Rapid weight loss.
- Certain medications.
- Genetics.
- Rapid weight loss.
Treatments:
- Lifestyle changes: Diet modification, weight loss, and exercise.
- Medications: Ursodeoxycholic acid to dissolve smaller stones.
- Surgery: Removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy).
Types of Surgeries:
- Open Cholecystectomy: Traditional surgery involving a large abdominal incision.
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions and a camera.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:
- Procedure: Surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen, inserts a tiny video camera and special instruments to remove the gallbladder.
- Advantages: Faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, less pain, and smaller scars.
- Time Taken for Surgery: Typically 1-2 hours.
New Technologies Used in Treatment:
- Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS): Using just one incision for the entire surgery.
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Enhances precision and control for the surgeon.
Precautions after Surgery:
- Follow post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon.
- Gradually reintroduce solid foods.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks.
Time Required to Recover:
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Usually, patients can return to normal activities within a week or two.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Minimally invasive.
- Shorter hospital stay.
- Faster recovery.
- Reduced pain.
- Some risk of complications like infection or bile leakage.
- Not suitable for all patients, especially those with severe gallbladder disease.