Monday, August 1, 2016

Basics On Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery Houston Clients Need To Understand

By Jeffrey Wilson


The gall bladder is a small tubular organ that is found adjacent to the liver. Its main function is to store and concentrate bile juice, an important chemical for the digestive process. Conditions affecting the organ such as the presence of bile stones often require surgical intervention. If they have been scheduled to undergo laparoscopic gallbladder surgery Houston patients need to know a number of things about the procedure.

There are many potential problems that may affect the bladder. Infections and formation of gall stones are the commonest. The stones are made up of cholesterol and bile salts. The biggest complications that these stones pose is the risk of blocking the path used by bile. When this happens, a buildup bilirubin ensues resulting in a phenomenon known as obstructive jaundice.

This surgical operation is usually done when the patient has been put under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes three incisions in the abdomen to be used for the entry of the surgical instruments. An instrument known as a laparoscope is the main piece of equipment used and hence the name of the procedure. The laparoscope helps the surgeon to cut and suture as well as remove the gall stones.

A number of investigations will be requested to help the doctor in making the diagnosis. Ultrasound is among the most informative investigative modalities when the problem of gall stones is suspected. If the problem is complex, additional investigations such as Ct scans, X-rays and radionuclide images may be needed. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, dietary modification may be recommended but surgery remains the only effective treatment.

Risks associated with this operation are not only few but very rare as well. They include, for example, pain, diarrhea, bloating, internal bleeding, allergic reaction to anesthetic drugs, injury to structures such as the common bile duct and the intestines and infections (after the operation). In very rare circumstances, the liver and major blood vessels may also be injured or the bile may leak into the abdominal cavity.

The small size of incisions used in this procedures allows patients to leave the hospital earlier than is the case with the open technique. In most cases, patients are allowed home on the same day. In contrast, an average of three days of admission are required when the open technique is used. Another major advantage is the fact that one can resume work after about a week which is a lot less than the four weeks recommended for the open surgery.

The gall bladder may be affected by a number of conditions. Examples include infections, tumors and gall stones. Gall stones are the commonest problem. They are formed by both bile salts and cholesterol. It is important that these stones are removed because they may cause blockage in the biliary system. When this happens, a buildup of bilirubin causes obstructive jaundice.

The removal of gall stones using laparoscopic surgery is by far the most popular treatment for this condition. It is a minimally invasive technique that is associated with very few complications. Additionally, it is a procedure that can be done in virtually any individual with the problem.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment