Open gallstone surgery is a typical method for removing gallbladder stones through a large open incision in the abdomen. This surgical method is popularly known as open cholecystectomy.
Surgeons and healthcare providers usually carry out this procedure to offer permanent relief to the patient. Apart from gallstones, this method can significantly eliminate all other issues associated with the gallbladder.
However, not everyone diagnosed with gallstones is recommended for surgery. This article will discuss when this surgical method becomes absolutely necessary. Stick to the end of the article to know more about it.
Why is Open Gallbladder Surgery Performed?
First, you should note that the gallbladder is not one efficient organ within the human body. Sometimes, bile passing through the bladder can thicken and create significant blockages along the pathway where it empties. Besides, it can also develop gallstones when the minerals of concentrated urine tend to crystallise.
As gallstones are hard deposits in the bile, they can easily get stuck inside the biliary ducts and gallbladder. They can be as small as a sand grain or as large as golf balls.
Remember that gallstones can eventually lead to acute or chronic inflammation. When they are associated with any infection, they can cause the following symptoms:
● Nausea
● Bloating
● Severe abdominal pain
● Vomiting, etc.
If the gallstones inflict severe pain or other complications, your surgeon will remove your gallbladder through surgical methods.
Here we have listed a few other conditions when you are likely to undergo an open gallbladder surgery:
● Choledocholithiasis
Choledocholithiasis usually happens when the gallstones remain stuck within the common bile duct. This causes a significant blockage and prevents the gallbladder and the entire biliary tree from draining completely.
● Biliary Dyskinaesia
This condition generally occurs when the gallbladder is incapable of emptying the bile correctly because of its defective motion.
● Pancreatitis
It is a typical condition of inflammation of the pancreas.
● Cholecystitis
In this condition, the gallbladder becomes inflamed.
If your gallbladder is inflicting severe issues and has become a chronic concern, your doctor will recommend removal.
Some of the most common symptoms that indicate the requirement for open gallbladder surgery are:
● Fever
● Severe or sharp pain in the upper abdomen that eventually radiates to the middle abdomen, back, or even your right shoulder.
● Bloating
● Nausea
● Jaundice, etc.
Sometimes, your healthcare provider might keep a close eye on your symptoms to check if it lessens or not. They might also recommend diet changes and lifestyle changes. But if the symptoms persist, they might recommend open gallbladder surgery.
What are the Risks Associated with Open Gallbladder Surgery?
An open gallbladder surgery is generally considered a safe operation as the complication risks are rare. Like all other surgical procedures, open gallbladder surgery also involves significant risks. So before conducting the process, your healthcare provider will perform a few physical examinations to minimise the possible risks.
Here we have made a comprehensive listing of the risks associated with open gallbladder surgery:
● Uncontrollable bleeding
● Unexpected allergic reactions to anaesthesia and certain other drugs
● Significant damage to blood vessels
● Clotting of blood
● Infections in the surgical site
● Certain complications with the heart include rapid heart rate, heart failure, heart attack, etc.
● Pancreatitis
● Injury to the small intestine or bile ducts, etc.
Please note that your surgeon will make sure to explain these risks prior to conducting the surgical procedure. So you need not worry and change your mind.
Post-Operative Care:
Once the surgery is completed successfully, your healthcare provider will monitor for vital signs. But you’ll be discharged as soon as your signs have stabilised and you start recovering.
Remember that hospital stays are usually longer after any open surgery. It’s because open procedures are way more invasive in comparison to laparoscopic procedures. Also, your doctor will ensure that you are not experiencing excessive nausea, pain, or bleeding.
Meanwhile, healthcare professionals will monitor you for any signs and symptoms of infections. They will constantly look out for feverish signs or pus-containing drainage at the surgical site.
Here’s how you can prevent postoperative complications:
● You should drink loads of fluid to prevent dehydration.
● You must walk around to prevent blood clots
● You need to sanitise or wash your hands before touching the incision site.
● You must not lift heavy weights within 4-6 weeks of operation.
● You must change your operation site bandages as directed by your healthcare provider.
● You should never wear tight clothes that might rub against the operation site.
To Conclude
Post-surgery you can expect infrequent mild or moderate pain. Your healthcare provider or surgeon will provide effective pain-relieving medications that might cause constipation.
Since the risk of complications associated with open gallbladder surgery is comparatively low, you can readily opt for it. You can contact doctors from renowned hospitals like Max Healthcare Group, as they provide nothing other than the best treatment. They will also ensure post-operative care so that you don’t encounter any symptoms of infection post-surgery.
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