Surgery to remove the gallbladder

Surgery to remove the gallbladder
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Cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomy is a surgical operation to remove the gallbladder, the purpose of which is to eliminate the source (reservoir) of infection, which becomes this hollow organ when pathological processes appear and develop in it.

A healthy gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile in the body. It takes an active part in the digestive process, contracting when food enters the stomach and secretes into the intestines a certain portion of bile necessary for digestion and assimilation of food.

With the appearance of any pathologies in the biliary, a person begins to feel intense pain. In this case, not only the functionality of the entire biliary system, but also of the pancreas is also disturbed. Therefore cholecystectomy significantly improves the general condition of the patient, improves the quality of his life, and if certain rules in the diet, practically does not affect the digestive processes

Indications for surgery

There are a number of different gallbladder diseases that can only be treated by removing this organ. These include:

  • Acute or chronic form of cholecystitis. Without adequate treatment, this ailment can lead to serious consequences, up to and including lethality. Complications of cholecystitis: perforation of the bladder walls, necrosis, peritonitis (inflammation in the abdominal cavity of purulent nature), sepsis, abscess. And if the disease runs along with cholelithiasis - immediate surgical intervention is required. Removal of the affected organ is the only correct and effective way to recovery.
  • Choledocholithiasis. Usually noted in patients with already diagnosed cholelithiasis, leads to complications such as: duct obstruction, in which there is a violation of the process of bile outflow, inflammation of the ducts or cholangitis, biliary pancreatitis. Such a condition requires extensive surgery, when sanation and drainage of the ducts is performed, along with the removal of the gallbladder itself.
  • Cholesterosis. This disease is characterised by cholesterol deposits on the walls of this organ. If its course is accompanied by gallstone disease, then only surgery is indicated.
  • Calcinosis (deposits of calcareous character on the walls inside the cavity of the organ) is an absolute indication for surgery.
  • Gallbladder polyps. If polyps exceeding 10 mm in size are detected on ultrasound, surgical treatment (cholecystectomy) is indicated. In case of smaller polyps are strictly monitored and prescribed drug therapy.
  • Gallstone disease (both symptomatic and asymptomatic).
  • Functional disorder of the gallbladder (only in certain cases surgery is indicated, and only after a thorough full examination of the biliary system).

Contraindications

Contraindications for gallbladder removal surgery can be a number of different conditions and diseases. This type of surgery is not prescribed for low blood coagulation, oncological pathology, in general in the critical condition of the patient.

Cholecystectomy can be performed after proper treatment and recovery of the patient in cases of anatomical abnormalities, acute inflammation, widespread peritonitis, Mirizzi syndrome, between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, scleroatrophic bladder, various infections and large peritoneal hernias.

Decisions on the feasibility of cholecystectomy are made jointly by two specialist doctors - a surgeon and an anaesthetist.

Types of cholecystectomy and preparation

To date, there are three technologies of cholecystectomy: laparoscopy, open mini-invasive, traditional.

It is the first option is considered the ‘gold standard’, applicable to the therapy of chronic and acute forms of cholecystitis. It is performed through several small (up to 10 mm) incisions that are made in the wall of the peritoneum. In them are introduced trocars (special tubes), in the cavity of the peritoneum pumped carbon dioxide, creating a sufficient volume of space there so that the doctor can freely work with tools. After isolating the anatomical elements, with the help of a video camera, the surgeon removes the gallbladder directly through one of the incisions, having previously separated it from the liver.

The main advantage of such an operation is minimal trauma to the abdominal wall and rapid healing, as well as the shortest period of full recovery of the patient.

Preparation for surgery consists of several stages. First, a complete medical examination of the patient is carried out (coagulogram, ultrasound, ECG, fluorography, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy), tests are taken. Sometimes requires MRI (magnetic resonance cholangiography), other procedures for a deeper study of the state of internal organs.

Then the patient is prescribed a week before the operation light diet. Immediately before the operation the last meal should be no later than 8-10 hours. And already in the hospital are preparatory procedures (cleansing the intestines, taking espumisan to minimise the risks of abdominal bloating), and so on.

The laparoscopic cholecystectomy itself can last from 20 minutes to two hours. It is performed under general anaesthesia.

Oleh Viktorovych Svysenko
Oleh Viktorovych Svysenko
Surgeon, Oncologist, Doctor of the Highest Category, PhD

Memberships:

  • Association of Surgeons of Dnipropetrovsk Region;
  • ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology).


Areas of expertise:

  • Repair of anterior abdominal wall hernias;
  • Surgeries on the stomach and large intestine;
  • Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy);
  • Appendectomy.
See also
MYOSITIS: WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW
MYOSITIS: WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW

Muscle pain and weakness are symptoms that many people attribute to fatigue or a cold. However, they can sometimes be signs of a serious condition—myositis. Understanding this condition will help you see a doctor in time and start the right treatment.

What is myositis?

Myositis is an inflammation of muscle tissue. The term “myositis” encompasses both common inflammation following overexertion or exposure to cold, as well as serious autoimmune diseases: polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy.

In autoimmune forms, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own muscles, causing chronic inflammation. Without treatment, this can lead to persistent weakness, muscle atrophy, and serious complications.

How to recognize myositis: main symptoms

Look for the following signs:

•       Muscle weakness—especially in the shoulders, hips, and neck; difficulty getting up from a chair or raising your arms.

•       Muscle pain—may be constant or worsen with movement and palpation.

•       Increased fatigue—even after minimal physical exertion.

•       Muscle atrophy — with a prolonged course of the disease, muscle mass may decrease, and strength and endurance may decline.

•       In dermatomyositis, characteristic skin rashes may appear: redness around the eyes (the “goggle” sign), and rashes on the finger joints.

•       Possible difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath — if the throat muscles and respiratory muscles are affected (this requires immediate medical attention!).

⚠ Important: If you experience severe shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or a sudden worsening of your condition, contact a doctor immediately or call an ambulance.

Why does myositis occur?

The causes can vary:

•       Autoimmune processes—the most common cause of chronic myositis.

•       Viral and infectious diseases—the flu, strep throat, and other infections can trigger muscle inflammation.

•       Injuries and excessive physical exertion.

•       Exposure to cold and prolonged exposure to drafts.

•       Taking certain medications (for example, statins—drugs used to lower cholesterol).

•       Concomitant connective tissue diseases (lupus, scleroderma).

•       Cancer — in some cases, myositis may be the first sign of a tumor.

Treatment and rehabilitation

According to the clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, treatment is selected based on the form and cause of myositis. Properly prescribed therapy significantly influences the course of the disease and the prognosis.

Drug treatment

•       Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone)—the main treatment for autoimmune myositis, reduce inflammation.

•       Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine) — prescribed when corticosteroids are not effective enough.

•       Anti-inflammatory drugs — to relieve pain and swelling.

•       Antibiotics — if myositis is caused by a bacterial infection.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an integral part of treatment and includes:

•       Physical therapy — a personalized exercise program to restore muscle strength.

•       Physical therapy procedures — to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

•       Massage — as a supplement to the main treatment.

Important to remember

•       Do not self-medicate—myositis requires an accurate diagnosis and a doctor’s prescription.

•       Seeking timely medical attention and receiving proper treatment significantly improve the prognosis.

•       Follow rehabilitation recommendations—this will speed up recovery.

•       Avoid triggering factors: hypothermia, excessive physical exertion, and stopping medication on your own.

•       Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment.

Diagnosis and Rehabilitation at Helios

At the Helios Medical Center, we conduct comprehensive diagnostics, monitor the course of the disease, and develop a personalized treatment and rehabilitation program.

An important part of recovery is properly selected physical rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises, which help maintain muscle strength, reduce the risk of atrophy, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

If you experience muscle weakness, pain, or rapid fatigue, it is important to consult a specialist promptly.

 

V.L. Kovalenko — Physician of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM)