We Offer Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Brisbane
Wide Range of Surgical Treatments
Support for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
Non-Judgemental Practitioners
What Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole removal of the gallbladder) is suggested for patients with symptomatic gallbladder disease (gallstones, gallbladder polyps, gallbladder sludge, adenomyomatosis).
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has advanced a long way over the last 10 years. Previous risks of open conversion (previously 10%) and bile due injury (1:500) are thankfully a thing of the past. This is due to advances in laparoscopic surgery, but also improved understanding of the anatomy of the bile ducts as they exit the liver.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now performed as a day case for 95% of patients, takes about 45 minutes, and involves very little post-op discomfort or long term side effects.
Side Effects
Following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the bile flow becomes a constant trickle, rather than a pulsed release with meals. Whilst some patients may experience symptoms after surgery (minor bloating, nausea, loose stools), particularly with fatty meals, this is very rarely a major problem long term.
This is because in most people requiring gallbladder removal surgery, the gallbladder has not been filing and emptying normally with bile for a long time. If such symptoms are experienced, the vast majority of patients will find they settle in the first 6 – 8 weeks after surgery.
Patients with severe irritable bowel syndrome before surgery are more likely to have such side effects that persist. Please discuss your specific situation with Dr Dodd.
