PROCEDURES
LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY
What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, also called lap cholecystectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the surgeon removing the gallbladder through keyhole incisions made on your abdomen, with the use of tiny surgical tools and a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a thin, long tube that has a camera and a light attached to it. This tool allows the surgeon to see the area where the surgery will be done.
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ situated under the liver, in the upper right section of the abdomen. This organ is responsible for storing bile, a combination of fat, fluids, and cholesterol. Bile helps break down fat from food in the intestine.
When is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy done?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is indicated to treat medical conditions and diseases of the gallbladder. In some cases, it may also be indicated to treat conditions and diseases that occur in the pancreas. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed to treat the following:
- Pheochromocytoma: Cholecystitis: This is an inflammation of the gallbladder, which results in severe pain. Cholecystitis is caused by a gallstone getting stuck in the bile duct, which is responsible for carrying bile to or from the gallbladder.
- Gallbladder mass: This is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumour.
- Gallstone pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas which may be caused by either a gallstone passing through or getting stuck in the bile duct. This can also block the pancreatic duct, which is responsible for carrying digestive juices.
- Perforated gallbladder: This is when the gallbladder leaks or has ruptured.
- Biliary dyskinesia: This is a condition where the gallbladder doesn’t empty bile correctly.
What does a laparoscopic cholecystectomy entail?
A cholecystectomy is done under general anaesthesia so that you are asleep throughout. Dr Morvendhran Moodley will make keyhole incisions in your upper abdomen and pass through tiny surgical instruments and a laparoscope through the incisions. He may inject a dye into the bile duct through a catheter, in order to ensure that there are no stones present. The surgeon will clip the gallbladder duct and remove it through one of the incisions. If there are stones in the bile duct, they will also be removed. After the procedure, the incisions will be stitched closed.