A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The two basic types of this procedure are open cholecystectomy and the laparoscopic approach. It is estimated that the laparoscopic procedure is currently used for approximately 80% of cases.
Description
The laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves the insertion of a long narrow cylindrical tube with a camera on the end, through an approximately 1 cm incision in the
abdomen, which allows visualization of the internal organs and projection of this image onto a video monitor. Three smaller incisions allow for insertion of other instruments to perform the surgical procedure. A laser may be used for the incision and cautery (burning unwanted tissue to stop bleeding), in which case the procedure may be called laser laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
In a conventional or open cholecystectomy, the gallbladder is removed through a surgical incision high in the right abdomen, just beneath the ribs. A drain may be inserted to prevent accumulation of fluid at the surgical site.
Who Performs the Procedure and Where Is It Performed?
Cholecystectomy, including the laparoscopic approach, is usually performed by a general surgeon who has completed a five-year residency training program in all components of general surgery and in particular proper techniques involving the use of the laparoscope. If surgery is being considered, it is a good idea to find out how many laparoscopic cholecystectomies the surgeon performs on a yearly basis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomies are often performed in the specialized department of a general hospital, but they are also performed in specialized gastrointestinal clinics or institutes for gastrointestinal disorders.
Questions to Ask the Doctor
What are my alternatives?
Is surgery the answer for me?
Can you recommend a surgeon who performs the laparoscopic procedure?
If surgery is appropriate for me, what are the next steps?
How many times have you performed open or laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Are you a board-certified surgeon?
What type of outcomes have you had?
What are the most common side effects or complications?
What should I do to prepare for surgery?
What should I expect following the surgery?
Can you refer me to one of your patients who has had this procedure?
What diagnostic procedures are performed to determine if I require surgery?
Will I need to see another specialist for the diagnostic procedures?
Definition
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The two basic types of this procedure are open cholecystectomy and the laparoscopic approach. It is estimated that the laparoscopic procedure is currently used for approximately 80% of cases.
Purpose
A cholecystectomy is performed to treat cholelithiasis and cholecystitis. In cholelithiasis, gallstones of varying shapes and sizes form from the solid components of bile. The presence of these stones, often referred to as gallbladder disease, may produce symptoms of excruciating right upper abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder. The gallbladder may become the site of acute infection and inflammation, resulting in symptoms of upper right abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This condition is referred to as cholecystitis. The surgical removal of the gallbladder can provide relief of these symptoms. Cholecystectomy is used to treat both acute and chronic cholecystitis when there are significant pain symptoms. The typical composition of gallstones is predominately cholesterol, or a compound called calcium bilirubinate.
Cholelithiasis
Most patients with cholelithiasis have no significant physical symptoms. Approximately 80% of gallstones do not cause significant discomfort. Patients who develop biliary colic generally do have some symptoms. When gallstones obstruct the cystic duct, intermittent, extreme, cramping pain typically develops in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. This pain generally occurs at night and can last from a few minutes to several hours. An acute attack of cholecystitis is often associated with the consumption of a large, high-fat meal.
The medical management of gallstones depends to a great degree on the presentation of the patient. Patients with no symptoms generally do not require any medical treatment. The best treatment for patients with symptoms is usually surgery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is typically preferred over the open surgical approach because of the decreased recovery period. Patients who are not good candidates for either type of surgery can obtain some symptom relief with drugs, especially oral bile salts.
Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, both acute and chronic, that results after the development of gallstones in some individuals. The most common symptoms and physical findings associated with cholecystitis include:
pain and tenderness in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
nausea
vomiting
In a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, four small incisions are made in the abdomen (A). The abdomen is filled with carbon dioxide, and the surgeon views internal structures with a video monitor (B). The gallbladder is located and cut with laparoscopic scissors (C). It is then removed through an incision (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
fever
jaundice
history of pain after eating large, high-fat meals
Demographics
Overall, cholelithasis is found in about 20,000,000 Americans. An overwhelming majority of these individuals do not ever develop symptoms. Overall, about 500,000 to 600,000 (2–3%) are treated with cholecystectomies every year. Typically, the incidence of cholelithasis increases with age. The greatest incidence occurs in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 years. The following groups are at an increased risk for developing choleliathiasis:
Overall, patients with cholelathiasis have about a 20% chance of developing biliary colic (the extremely painful complication that usually requires surgery) over a 20-year period.
Acute cholecystitis develops most commonly in women between the ages of 40 and 60 years. Some ethnic groups such as Native Americans have a dramatically higher incidence of cholecystitis.
Description
The laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves the insertion of a long, narrow cylindrical tube with a camera on the end, through an approximately 0.4 in (1 cm) incision in the abdomen, which allows visualization of the internal organs and projection of this image onto a video monitor. Three smaller incisions allow for insertion of other instruments to perform the surgical procedure. A laser may be used for the incision and cautery (burning unwanted tissue to stop bleeding), in which case the procedure may be called laser laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
In a conventional or open cholecystectomy, the gallbladder is removed through a surgical incision high in the right abdomen, just beneath the ribs. A drain may be inserted to prevent accumulation of fluid at the surgical site.
Diagnosis/Preparation
The initial diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is based on the following symptoms:
constant, dull upper right quadrant abdominal pain
fever
chills
nausea
vomiting
pain aggravated by moving or coughing
Most patients have elevated leukocyte (white blood cells) levels. Leukocyte levels are determined using laboratory analysis of blood samples. Traditional x rays are not particularly useful in diagnosing cholecystitis. Ultrasonography of the gallbladder usually provides evidence of gallstones, if they are present. Ultrasonography can also help identify inflammation of the gallbladder. Nuclear imaging may also be used. This type of imaging cannot identify gallstones, but it can provide evidence of obstruction of the cystic and common bile ducts.
Cholelithiasis is initially diagnosed based on the following signs and symptoms:
sudden onset of extreme pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
fever
chills
Laboratory blood analysis often finds evidence of elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, or aminotransferase levels. Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and radionuclide imaging are able to detect the impaired functioning of bile flow and of the bile ducts.
As with any surgical procedure, the patient will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure is explained thoroughly. Food and fluids will be prohibited after midnight before the procedure. Enemas may be ordered to clean out the bowel. If nausea or vomiting are present, a suction tube to empty the stomach may be used, and for laparoscopic procedures, a urinary drainage catheter will also be used to decrease the risk of accidental puncture of the stomach or bladder with insertion of the trocar (a sharp, pointed instrument).
Aftercare
Postoperative care for the patient who has had an open cholecystectomy, as with those who have had any major surgery, involves monitoring of blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature. Breathing tends to be shallow because of the effect of anesthesia, and the patient's reluctance to breathe deeply due to the pain caused by the proximity of the incision to the muscles used for respiration. The patient is shown how to support the operative site when breathing deeply and coughing and is given pain medication as necessary. Fluid intake and output is measured, and the operative site is observed for color and amount of wound drainage. Fluids are given intravenously for 24–48 hours, until the patient's diet is gradually advanced as bowel activity resumes. The patient is generally encouraged to walk eight hours after surgery and discharged from the hospital within three to five days, with return to work approximately four to six weeks after the procedure.
Care received immediately after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is similar to that of any patient undergoing surgery with general anesthesia. A unique postoperative pain may be experienced in the right shoulder related to pressure from carbon dioxide used in the laparoscopic tubes. This pain may be relieved by lying down on the left side with right knee and thigh drawn up to the chest. Walking will also help increase the body's reabsorption of the gas. The patient is usually discharged the day after surgery and allowed to shower on the second postoperative day. The patient is advised to gradually resume normal activities over a three-day period, while avoiding heavy lifting for about 10 days.
Risks
Potential problems associated with open cholecystectomy include respiratory problems related to location of the incision, wound infection, or abscess formation. Possible complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy include accidental puncture of the bowel or bladder and uncontrolled bleeding. Incomplete reabsorption of the carbon dioxide gas could irritate the muscles used in respiration and cause respiratory distress. While most patients with acute cholecystitis respond well to the laparoscopic technique, about 5–20% of these patients require a conversion to the open technique because of complications.
Normal Results
The prognosis for cholecystitis and cholelithaisis patients who receive cholecystectomy is generally good. Overall, cholecystectomy relieves symptoms in about 95% of cases.
Morbidity and Mortality Rates
The complication rate is less than 0.5% with open cholecystectomy and about 1% with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary complication with the open technique is infection, whereas bile leak and hemorrhage are the most common complications associated with the laparoscopic technique. The overall mortality rate associated with cholecystectomy is less than 1%. However, the rate of mortality in the elderly is higher.
In a small minority of cases, symptoms will persist in patients who receive cholecystectomy. This has been named the post-cholecystectomy syndrome and usually results from functional bowel disorder, errors in diagnosis, technical errors, overlooked common bile duct stones, recurrence of common bile duct stones, or the spasm of a structure called the sphincter of Oddi.
Alternatives
Acute cholecystitis usually improves following conservative therapy in most patients. This conservative therapy involves the withholding of oral feedings, the use of intravenous feedings, and the administration of antibiotics and analgesics. This is only a short-term alternative in hospitalized patients. Most of these patients should receive cholecystectomy within a few days to prevent recurrent attacks. In the short-term, patients often receive narcotic analgesics such as meperidine to relieve the intense pain associated with this condition. Patients who have evidence of gallbladder perforation or gangrene need to have an immediate cholecystectomy.
In patients with cholelithasis who are deemed unfit for surgery, alternative treatments are sometimes effective. These individuals often have symptom improvement after lifestyle changes and medical therapy. Lifestyle changes include dietary avoidance of foods high in polyunsaturated fats and gradual weight loss in obese individuals. Medical therapy includes the administration of oral bile salts. Patients with three or fewer gallstones of cholesterol composition and with a gallstone diameter less than 0.6 in (15 mm) are more likely to receive medical therapy and have positive results. The primary requirements for receiving medical therapy include the presence of a functioning gallbladder and the absence of calcification on computed tomography (CT) scans. Other non-surgical alternatives include using a solvent to dissolve the stones and using sound waves to breakup small stones. A major drawback to medical therapy is the high recurrence rate of stones in those treated.
Resources
Books
"Cholecystitis," and ""Cholelithiasis." In Ferri's Clinical Advisor, edited by Fred F. Ferri. St. Louis: Mosby, 2001.
Current Surgical Diagnosis & Treatment. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
"The Digestive System." Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2001.
"Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder, and Bile Ducts." In CecilTextbook of Medicine, edited by Lee Goldman, and J. Claude Bennett. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2000.
"Liver, Biliary Tract, & Pancreas." In Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Schwartz, Seymour I. (ed.) Principles of Surgery. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy as seen through laparoscope
X-Ray during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy (/ˌkɔləsɪsˈtɛktəmi/, plural: cholecystectomies,)
is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Despite the development of non-surgical
techniques, it is the most common method for treating symptomatic gallstones, although there
are other reasons for having this surgery done. Each year more than 500,000 Americans have gallbladder surgery. Surgery options
include the standard procedure, called laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and an older
more invasive procedure, called open cholecystectomy. A cholecystectomy is performed when attempts to treat gallstones with
ultrasound to shatter the stones or medications to dissolve them have not proven feasible.
Open surgery
Traditional open cholecystectomy is a major abdominal surgery in which the surgeon removes
the gallbladder through a 4- to 7-inch (10 to 18 cm) incision. Patients usually remain in the hospital for about three to
seven days and may require several additional weeks to recover at home.
Laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now replaced open cholecystectomy as the first-choice of treatment for gallstones unless there are contraindications to the laparoscopic approach. Sometimes a laparoscopic
cholecystectomy will be converted to an open cholecystectomy for technical reasons or safety.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires several small incisions in the abdomen to allow the insertion of surgical instruments
and a small video camera. After the initial incisions, the surgeon will inflate the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide. The
camera sends a magnified image from inside the body to a video monitor, giving the surgeon a close-up view of the organs and
tissues. The surgeon watches the monitor and performs the operation by manipulating the surgical instruments through separate
small incisions. The gallbladder is identified and carefully Calot's triangle (the area bound by
the cystic artery, cystic duct, and hepatic duct) is cleared. The cystic duct and the
cystic artery are identified, clipped with tiny titanium clips and cut.Then the
gallbladder is separated from liver bed and removed through one of the small incisions. This type of surgery requires meticulous
surgical skill, but in straightforward cases can be done in about an hour.
Recently, this procedure is performed through a single incision in the patient's belly-button. This advaced technique is
called as Single Port Access Surgery.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy does not require the abdominal muscles to be cut, resulting in
less pain, quicker healing, improved cosmetic results, and fewer complications such as infection. Most patients can be discharged on the same or following day as the surgery, and most patients can
return to any type of occupation in about a week.
Complications
An uncommon but potentially serious complication with the new procedure is injury to the common bile duct, which connects the gallbladder and liver. An injured bile duct can leak bile and
cause a painful and potentially dangerous infection. Many cases of minor injury to the common bile duct can be managed
non-surgically. Major injury to the bile duct, however, is a very serious problem and may require corrective surgery. At this
time it is unclear whether these complications are more common following laparoscopic cholecystectomy than following standard
cholecystectomy.
Abdominal peritoneal adhesions, gangrenous gallbladders, and other problems that obscure vision are discovered during about 5%
of laparoscopic surgeries, forcing surgeons to switch to the standard cholecystectomy for safe removal of the gallbladder.
Converting to open surgery does not equate to a complication.
A Consensus Development Conference panel, convened by the National Institutes
of Health in September 1992, endorsed laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a safe and effective
surgical treatment for gallbladder removal, equal in efficacy to the traditional open surgery. The panel noted, however, that
laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be performed only by experienced surgeons and only on patients who have symptoms of
gallstones.
In addition, the panel noted that the outcome of laparoscopic cholecystectomy is greatly influenced by the training,
experience, skill, and judgment of the surgeon performing the procedure. Therefore, the panel recommended that strict guidelines
be developed for training and granting credentials in laparoscopic surgery, determining competence, and monitoring quality.
According to the panel, efforts should continue toward developing a noninvasive approach to gallstone treatment that will not
only eliminate existing stones, but also prevent their formation or recurrencce.
Operative details and information for patients for cholecystectomy
Operative details of the above operation can be seen in the surgical scripts presented in Wikisurgery/General Surgery.
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