my grandfather is diagnosed with gall stones and is suppose to undergo laparoscopic surgery for gall bladder. How is a laparoscope used to remove the gallbladder? What are the benefits of this type of surgery? What are the complications?
The laparoscope is put into body through a tiny cut made just below navel. Surgeon can then see gallbladder on a TV screen and with tools inserted in 3 other small cuts made in the right upper part of abdomen. Gallbladder is then taken out through one of the incisions. With laparoscopic cholecystectomy, one can return to work more quickly, have less pain after surgery, have a shorter hospital stay, and have a shorter recovery time. Unlike traditional surgery, laparoscopic surgery to remove the gallbladder can be done without cutting the muscles of your abdomen. The incision is also much smaller. With laparoscopic cholecystectomy, patient can stay in the hospital overnight. With open cholecystectomy, one would need to stay in the hospital for about 5 days. Because the incisions are smaller with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, there isn't as much pain after this operation as after open cholecystectomy. Complications are rare but may include bleeding, infection and injury to the tube that carries bile from gallbladder to stomach. During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the intestines or major blood vessels may be injured when the instruments are inserted into the abdomen.