If you’re reading this, it’s probably because someone has mentioned that you might need to have your gallbladder removed. If the idea makes you panic a little bit (we don’t blame you), then read on! We’ll show you why laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures done in hospitals today and all the benefits that come with getting this procedure done. Ready? Let’s get started!
What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery is a surgical procedure in which the gallbladder is removed through a small incision. It is done using surgical instruments inserted through the abdomen and into the chest cavity. The gallbladder normally produces bile that aids digestion. It sits just under the liver on the right side of the body and is connected to the liver by a small duct.
What are the benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
- Shorter hospital stay
The traditional open cholecystectomy takes about 4-5 hours to complete. At the same time, the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is completed in less than 1 hour. As a result, the open cholecystectomy patients might have to spend a night or two in the hospital after surgery. In contrast, those who had the laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be able to go home the same day or within a few hours.
- Shorter recovery period
According to cholecystectomy in Huntington station, Patients may need 7-10 days of recovery after the open cholecystectomy while laparoscopic ones only need 3-4 healing process is faster for laparoscopic type than for the open one.
- Less pain, more comfort
The laparoscopic surgery does not require a large amount of recovery period, and the patient will recover well within a few days after the procedure. Also, the scar from laparoscopic cholecystectomy is about 1 inch long. Patients have been reported that they do not feel uncomfortable after getting the laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
- No open wound
The traditional surgery involves an 8- to 10-inch cut across the upper part of your abdomen, removing large portions of your muscle tissue and fat while leaving you with a big open wound for days following the procedure to heal. While, during laparoscopic surgery, the incisions are tiny (about 1 inch long), and there’s no exposed wound to heal.
- Less blood loss
The traditional open cholecystectomy has a higher risk of developing postoperative bleeding due to frequent cutting into organs and vessels during the procedure. One of the causes is that when cuts are made, there will be bleeding. While during laparoscopic surgery, only small incisions are made, and blood leakage is unlikely to happen. Therefore, less blood is lost during this procedure, and patients can even leave the hospital the same day with no need for blood transfusion.
- Fewer complications
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has far fewer complications than the traditional method. About 94% of laparoscopic cholecystectomies are successful for treating chronic gallstones, while more than 98% of open cholecystectomies can be performed successfully for treating acute stones in patients. From a patient’s perspective, fewer wound complications mean quicker healing and a better chance that the scars will heal flat and without puckering.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedures quickly catch on in popularity with their faster recovery times and reduced scarring postoperatively; which makes this an excellent option to consider when looking at surgical procedures that can help you feel better again after suffering from gallstones or pancreatitis. Click to know more about what to eat & what to avoid after gallbladder surgery!
