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ABOUT CHOLECYSTECTOMY

A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ located below the liver, which serves the function of collecting and storing bile, which is the fluid produced by the liver, before breaking it down and releasing it into the small intestine.

It is performed to treat pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, choledocholithiasis and to treat cancer in the gallbladder. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, cholecystitis occurs when the gallbladders is inflamed, and cholelithiasis occurs when gallstones form in the gallbladder. These conditions can cause pain, vomiting, fever, and infection.

The surgery is generally performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive), however, open surgery is also an option. Once the gallbladder is removed, patients can continue living a healthy life, as it is possible for the digestive system to function without it. Some patients continue to suffer from abdominal pain or diarrhea even after the gallbladder is removed, and others may need to make changes to their diet, as certain foods (such as spicy or fatty foods) can cause bloating and diarrhea.

Recommended for

  • Cholecystitis
  • Choledocholithiasis
  • Cholelithiasis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cancer in the gallbladder

TIME REQUIREMENTS

  • Number of days in hospital: 1 – 3 days.

Usually after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients can leave the same day. After an open cholecystectomy patients can spend up to 3 days in hospital.

  • Average length of stay abroad: 1 – 2 weeks.

Some patients will have dissolvable stitches, whereas others return after 7 days to have them removed. Patients who have open surgery will need a longer recovery time.

The gallbladder is located below the liver.

COMPARE CHOLECYSTECTOMY PRICES AROUND THE WORLD

Country Cost
Spain 4380€
Thailand 2523€
Mexico 2470€
Hungary 1780€
India 1413€
Tunisia 1300€
Poland 1102€

HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD

Every year, close to 14 million patients travel worldwide for the purpose of receiving medical care. At Intclinics, we provide our patients with access to the top clinics and doctors around the world. To discover where the best Cholecystectomy clinics are for you, search on Intclinics for treatments all around the world.
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BEFORE CHOLECYSTECTOMY ABROAD

Ahead of the surgery, the doctor will likely prescribe the patient with drinking solution that will clear the intestines in preparation for the surgery. The doctor will also likely advise to stop eating and drinking in the hours preceding the surgery, in order to prepare for the general anesthetic which will be administered.

Patients with complex conditions may benefit from seeking a second opinion before beginning a treatment plan. A second opinion means that another doctor, usually an expert with a lot of experience, will review the patient’s medical history, symptoms, scans, test results, and other important information, in order to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. When asked, 45% of US residents who received a second opinion said that they had a different diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment plan.

HOW IS IT PERFORMED

There are 2 different methods used to remove the gallbladder, one is to remove it laparoscopically and the other is to remove it through open surgery.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that involves the surgeon making several small incisions, usually 3 or 4, in the patient’s abdomen. A laparoscope is inserted through the incisions, along with surgical tools that are used to remove the gallbladder. The common bile duct is then checked for abnormalities using X-ray or ultrasound imaging, and any further gallstones found are removed.

An open cholecystectomy is performed by making a 3 to 4 inch incision in the right side of the abdomen below the ribs. The liver and gallbladder are exposed by pulling back the tissue and muscle. Once the surgeon has gained access to the gallbladder, it is then removed and the incision site is closed with sutures.

Anesthesia

General anesthetic.

Procedure duration

The Cholecystectomy takes 1 to 2 hours.

The surgeon reshapes the nose into the desired shape or size.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Post procedure care

After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patients are usually able to leave the hospital or clinic on the same day or may need to spend 1 night in hospital.

After an open cholecystectomy, patients will likely need to stay in hospital for around 3 days.

It is important to keep the incision site clean, and change bandages when necessary. Some patients may feel sick after surgery and experience diarrhea due to bile irritating the digestive system.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Not recommended for

  • Pregnant women
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Obesity

Potential risks

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to common bile duct
  • Damage to small intestine
  • Liver damage
  • Damage to cystic duct
  • Hepatic artery damage
  • Diarrhea
2024-07-13T21:12:12+00:00