David J Phillips
M.B., B.S., F.R.C.S. (Ed) F.R.A.C.S.
SURGEON

LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

	Topics discussed:
	What is a Cholecystectomy When do you need a Cholecystectomy What is a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy What is an Open Cholecystectomy How quickly will I recover from laparoscopic surgery How can I find out more information Internet Links – Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

What is a Cholecystectomy:
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gall bladder.
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When do you need a Cholecystectomy:
The gall bladder controls the flow of bile in the small intestine to aid in digestion. Sometimes the gall bladder will fail to function properly and gall stones will form in the gall bladder. These stones block the flow of bile through the duct, causing severe pain and if left untreated can cause severe medical problems which may endanger the life of the patient. The role of the surgeon is to remove the diseased gall bladder. It is useless to remove the gallstones and leave the always diseased gall bladder behind, as more stones will form.
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What is a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:
The preferred choice of all surgeons is to remove the gall bladder laparoscopically. This means small cuts are made in the abdominal wall to allow the surgeon to view the gall bladder by small video cameras and pass instrument’s into the abdominal cavity to surgically remove the gall bladder. Because the abdominal wall muscles have only small puncture wounds, recovery and hospital time are greatly reduced.
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What is an Open Cholecystectomy:
Sometimes the surgeon will be unable to perform a laparoscopic repair. This is usually due to internal adhesions caused by previous surgery, the gall bladder being too diseased to effectively operate on via laparoscopic means or blood loss which obstructs the view of the gall bladder through the laparoscope. In these cases the surgeon will be forced to surgically open the abdominal cavity and perform open surgery. Open surgery is performed when the surgeon believes it is in the best medical interest of the patient. However the need to resort to a laparotomy is quite rare.
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How quickly will I recover from laparoscopic surgery:
You should be able to return home the day after surgery. By not cutting the major abdominal muscles, the patient suffers far less pain than the previously used open repair method. Until you feel completely comfortable you should avoid heavy lifting or too much exercise. You should expect to be back to normal activity in ten to fourteen days.
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How can I find out more information regarding laparoscopic cholecystectomy:
On your first visit to Dr Phillips, he will carefully explain your medical condition, his proposed surgical intervention, the risks of surgery, expected recovery time and other issues.

In addition, Dr Phillips will give you a four page colour brochure produced by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons which will assist you with your understanding of your medical condition.

If in the meantime you would like to do some more background reading you may wish to view one of the Internet sites listed below. Please note that the actual surgical procedure Dr Phillips performs may not be exactly as described on the Internet. There are numerous variations of laparoscopic repair which while similar, do have differences.
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Internet Links: