Gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located in the upper right abdomen that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps break down fats in the small intestine.
Gallbladder surgery is typically performed to treat gallstones. Gallstones are hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder. They can cause pain, inflammation, and other complications.
What are the Conditions That Require Gallbladder Surgery?
The following conditions may require gallbladder surgery:
- Cholecystitis: This is inflammation of the gallbladder. It can be caused by gallstones, infection, or tumors.
- Choledocholithiasis: This is the presence of gallstones in the common bile duct, the tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine.
- Gallbladder polyps: These are growths on the inner lining of the gallbladder. Polyps larger than 1 cm are considered to be at risk of becoming cancerous, so they may need to be removed.
- Gallbladder dyskinesia: This is a condition in which the gallbladder does not empty properly. It can cause pain and other symptoms, even if there are no gallstones present.
What is the Duration of Gallbladder Surgery?
Preoperative preparation: 1 to 2 hours
Surgery: 30 to 45 minutes for laparoscopic cholecystectomy or 1 to 2 hours for open cholecystectomy
Recovery: 1 to 2 hours
What are the Complications of Gallbladder Surgery?
Gallbladder surgery is a safe and effective procedure, but like any surgery, there are some risks and complications associated with it.
Some of the most common complications of gallbladder surgery include:
- Bile leak: This occurs when bile leaks from the bile duct into the abdomen. Bile is a digestive fluid that can irritate the lining of the abdomen and cause inflammation.
- Bleeding: This is a risk of any surgery. Bleeding can occur during or after the procedure.
- Infection: This can occur at the incision site or in the abdomen.
- Injury to nearby structures: This can include the bile duct, liver, or small intestine.
- Risks of general anesthesia: These can include allergic reactions, blood clots, and pneumonia.
What Should Be Considered After Gallbladder Surgery?
Here are some things to consider after gallbladder surgery:
Diet:
- Start with a clear liquid diet for the first day or two after surgery.
- Gradually add low-fat, easy-to-digest foods back to your diet over the next few days.
- Avoid fatty, fried, spicy, and greasy foods for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
Activity:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Gradually increase your activity level as tolerated.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to return to work and other normal activities.
Pain management:
- Take your pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Use ice packs on the incision site to reduce pain and swelling.
- Rest when you are feeling tired.
Wound care:
- Keep the incision site clean and dry.
- Change the dressing as needed.
- Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage from the incision site.
Other:
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
- Contact your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after gallbladder surgery to ensure a full and healthy recovery.
What are Gallbladder Surgery Prices in Turkey?
The average price of gallbladder surgery in Turkey is $2,636, according to Bookimed. This price can vary depending on the hospital, the surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the case. Some hospitals may include additional services in the price, such as a hotel stay, transportation, and meals.
Clinic Car Center in Istanbul, Turkey is a leading provider of gallbladder surgery at competitive prices. The clinic is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and offers a high standard of care to its patients.
