Colon Surgery
Cholecystectomy
What Is A Gallstone?
The gallbladder is part of the digestive tract that stores bile produced by the liver and bile duct. Some people develop gallstones, or hardened material formed from excess cholesterol or bile. The likelihood of developing gallstones has been attributed to a combination of diet and genetics. Most gallstones are small and get passed through the intestines but bigger stones that cause obstruction and damage the gallbladder may need to be removed. Symptoms of gallstones can include sharp pains in the right side of the abdomen, sharp pains in the center of the abdomen, or sharp pains in-between the shoulder blades.
What Is Cholecystectomy?
In a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a laparoscope and other specialized tools are inserted into the abdomen through 4 small incisions made in the skin. The surgeon inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide to provide maximum visibility of the internal contents. A surgeon will place four devices, known as a trocar into the incisions to act as ports for the other specialized devices needed during surgery.
What Is The Treatment?
Once in the abdomen, a surgeon will carefully lift the liver to get to the gallbladder. Attached to the gallbladder are the cystic duct (the main duct connecting the gallbladder to the bile duct) and the cystic artery. Before gallbladder removal, the cystic duct and the cystic artery must be clipped and separated from the gallbladder to reduce bleeding. Using a cauterizing tool, a surgeon will begin to cut the ligaments attaching the gallbladder to the liver. The surgeon then places the gallbladder into a special bag inserted in the abdomen and then pulls it out through one of the small incisions in the skin.
What Is The Treatment?
Colorectal disease can be treated using medication and/or mitigated through dietary changes. For colorectal diseases that have advanced to the point where medication provides limited relief, doctors may opt to perform surgery to remove the diseased parts of the colon. Depending on the severity of the disease, this may require complete removal of the colon. Colorectal surgery can be performed in two ways, through ‘open surgery’ or laparoscopic surgery.
What Are The Benefits Of a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?
Doctors will most likely recommend a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, as it is minimally invasive and less painful. Our surgeon uses cauterizing tools during laparoscopic surgery to reduce bleeding throughout the surgical process. These tools burn vessels upon contact, which effectively close them off.