Gallbladder Specialists in Hyderabad

Gallbladder removal, also known as cholecystectomy, is a surgical process to treat different gallbladder conditions. This guide explains the process and what you can expect before and after the surgery. With expert gallbladder specialists in Hyderabad, Gleneagles Hospitals provides exceptional care for all patients.

The gallbladder is a small organ shaped like a pear. It is located just below the liver on the upper right side of the abdomen. It is known to store bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. When you eat food, especially fatty foods, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine to help break down and digest fats. 

At Gleneagles Hospitals, our gallbladder specialists in Hyderabad understand the role of gallbladder players in digestion. While it's not important for your body to function properly, many people live healthy lives without a gallbladder. The liver just continues to produce bile that flows directly to the small intestine.

There are many reasons why you may need gallbladder removal. These include:

• Gallstones: Can cause severe pain & other complications
• Chronic Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder
• Gallbladder Polyps: Larger lumps that might be cancerous
• Gallbladder Cancer: In situations where cancer is detected
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas caused due to gallstones.

There are 2 types of gallbladder removal surgery:
 

1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This is the most common method of gallbladder removal. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure consisting of:

• The doctors will create 3-4 tiny incisions of 1-2 cm in your stomach
• A small camera and surgical equipment will be put into those incisions
• CO2 gas is then used to expand the abdomen to provide space for the doctor to work
• The gallbladder is then carefully separated from the tissues surrounding it and taken out from the tiny incisions
• These incisions are then closed using stitches.

2. Open Cholecystectomy: In some cases, an open procedure may be necessary. This method involves:

• A single larger incision (4-6 inches) below the right rib cage
• Direct access to the gallbladder for removal
• A surgical drain might be placed to remove excess fluid
• A longer hospital stay and recovery period

Our gallbladder specialists in Hyderabad at Gleneagles Hospitals may recommend an open procedure in certain situations, such as:

• Significant inflammation or scarring from previous surgeries
• Unexpected complications during a laparoscopic procedure
• Emergency situations requiring immediate access
• Certain medical conditions that make laparoscopic surgery unsafe

It is important to prepare beforehand to have a successful surgery and recovery. Your gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad will give you certain instructions so you can prepare carefully. These would include:

1. Medical Evaluation: Before scheduling your surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation, which may include:

• Review of your medical history and symptoms
• Physical examination
• Blood tests to check the patient's liver function and blood clotting
• Imaging tests, including ultrasound, CT scan, or HIDA scan to visualise your gallbladder and bile ducts

2. Medication Adjustments: You may need to:

• Stop taking certain medications like blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs
• Adjust the dosage of regular medications
• Start taking antibiotics if there's concern about infection

3. Dietary and Lifestyle Preparations: Your doctor will advise you to:

• Stop eating and drinking for at least 4-8 hours before surgery
• Shower with an antiseptic soap the night before or on the morning of surgery
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
• Prepare your home for recovery (easy-to-reach items, comfortable recovery area)

At Gleneagles Hospitals, our gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad ensures that you receive comprehensive pre-operative instructions tailored to your specific condition and needs.

On the day of your surgery at Gleneagles Hospitals, here's what typically happens:

• Pre-operative preparation: You'll change into a hospital gown, and the medical team will check your vital signs and place an IV line for medications and fluids.
• Anaesthesia: A general anaesthetic will be administered, ensuring you're asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.
• The procedure: Depending on whether you're having laparoscopic or open gallbladder removal, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions and carefully remove your gallbladder.
• Completion: After removing your gallbladder, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches or surgical glue and apply dressings.
• Recovery room: You'll be taken to a recovery area where medical staff will monitor you as you wake up from anaesthesia.

The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, though this can vary depending on your specific condition and any complications that may arise.

Recovery time and experience vary depending on the type of procedure and your overall health. Here's what to expect:

1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Recovery

• Hospital stay: Many patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay
• Pain management: You'll likely experience some discomfort that can be managed with pain medication
• Return to normal activities: Most people return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks
• Full recovery: Complete healing typically occurs within 2-3 weeks

2. Open Cholecystectomy Recovery

• Hospital stay: Usually 2-3 days
• Pain management: More significant discomfort requiring stronger pain medication
• Return to normal activities: May take 4-6 weeks
• Full recovery: Complete healing may take up to 8 weeks

3. General Recovery Guidelines: Regardless of the type of procedure, your gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad will likely recommend:

• Gradually increasing your physical activity
• Avoiding heavy lifting (more than 10 pounds) for several weeks
• Taking short walks to prevent blood clots and improve circulation
• Following specific dietary guidelines during recovery
• Keeping incisions clean and dry
• Taking prescribed medications as directed

Since your gallbladder stores and concentrates bile that helps digest fats, some dietary adjustments may be necessary after its removal. However, most people eventually return to a normal diet.

1. Short-term Dietary Guidelines: In the first few weeks after surgery, your doctor may recommend:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals
• Gradually reintroducing foods into your diet
• Limiting high-fat foods that might cause discomfort
• Increasing fibre intake gradually to prevent constipation
• Staying well-hydrated

2. Long-term Dietary Considerations: Most people don't experience significant long-term digestive issues after gallbladder removal. However, some may notice:

• Difficulty digesting very fatty meals
• Occasional diarrhoea, especially after fatty foods
• Gas or bloating with certain foods

If you experience persistent digestive issues, your gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad can provide guidance on managing these symptoms through dietary modifications or medications.

Like any surgical procedure, gallbladder removal carries some risks. At Gleneagles Hospitals, our skilled surgeons take every precaution to minimise these risks, but it's important to be aware of potential complications:

1. Common Risks

• Infection at the incision sites
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Temporary digestive issues

2. Less Common Complications

• Bile leak
• Injury to nearby structures (bile duct, liver, intestine)
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Blood clots
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

3. Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome: A small percentage of patients (10-15%) may experience ongoing symptoms after gallbladder removal, known as post-cholecystectomy syndrome. This can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

If you experience these symptoms, your gallbladder specialist will work to identify the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Contact your gallbladder specialist in Hyderabad if you have any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Severe pain that isn't relieved by medication
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Increasing redness, swelling, or discharge from incisions
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine or light-coloured stools
• Persistent diarrhoea or digestive problems

When looking for treatment for gallbladder issues, it is important to choose the right healthcare provider. Gleneagles Hospital provides care to patients. Our team includes:

• Experienced gallbladder specialists
• Cutting-edge facilities and laparoscopic equipment.
• Tailored care and recovery after surgery
• Thorough preoperative evaluation and preparation.
• A multidisciplinary approach with surgical, gastrointestinal, and nutritional experts.