Private Gallbladder Removal Surgery In Milton Keynes
The gallbladder is a small sac located in the abdomen that helps to aid digestion and store the bile that is produced by the liver. Sometimes the gallbladder doesn’t function as it should and gallstones can occur.
If you are experiencing severe or frequent gallstone symptoms, gallbladder removal surgery (known as cholecystectomy) may be necessary.
When is gallbladder removal surgery necessary?
A gallbladder removal surgery is necessary if your gallstones are causing uncomfortable symptoms or if your gallbladder has developed cancerous polyps. If your gallstones are harming your quality of life, then a cholecystectomy is the best treatment option. Not only will it ease your symptoms, but it will also prevent gallstones from returning in the future.
Gallbladder removal surgery is a low-risk procedure and you can often go home on the same day or within the next couple of days, depending on your overall health
When your gallbladder needs removing, you will often experience:
- Sudden, intense and worsening pain in your abdomen
- Nausea or frequent episodes of vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes)
- A high temperature or sudden fever
- Frequent attacks of painful symptoms after eating
- Sudden drops in your blood pressure levels
Gallbladder removal surgery can also mitigate the secondary risks of severe internal infection and acute gallbladder inflammation, both of which require immediate medical attention.
What happens during gallbladder surgery?
Surgeons can perform gallbladder removal surgery laparoscopically or with advanced robotic technology — both of which we offer at our private clinic in Milton Keynes.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon typically makes four small incisions into the abdomen and places a thin tube with a tiny camera (laparoscope) inside to view the organs on a high-definition monitor. The gallbladder is carefully extracted with minimal scarring and a much faster recovery time.
Robotic-assisted cholecystectomy: During this modern procedure, the surgeon uses high-precision robotic arms equipped with tools and a 3D camera. They monitor and control the arms completely via a remote console sitting right next to the operating table
What to expect during your recovery
Complete recovery from your gallbladder removal can take up to six weeks, and you may stay in the hospital anywhere from a few hours up to three days depending on your case. Following your discharge, you will be given important aftercare instructions.
- Essential steps to follow after surgery include:
- Wear loose-fitting, non-restrictive clothing around your abdomen to
- Walk short distances regularly to promote circulation and prevent blood clots
- Drink plenty of water and switch to a strict low-fat, high-fibre diet to ease your digestion
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your sutured incisions
- Avoid heavy lifting (nothing over 20lbs) and completely avoid strenuous activities