OVERVIEW

A cholecystectomy is a surgery to remove a problematic gallbladder, a small organ that resides below the liver on the upper portion of the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder plays an essential role in storing bile, a digestive liquid the liver makes.

A cholecystectomy is performed to resolve gallbladder diseases, most commonly due to gallstones. Gallstones can lead to various complications necessitating removal, including:

• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder wall due to chronic irritation.
• Cholangitis: Blockage of the draining tubes of the liver due to a gallstone, resulting in jaundice and severe infection of the undrained / backed-up bile.
• Pancreatitis: Blockage of the small ducts draining the pancreas by biliary sand or sludge, resulting in damage to the pancreas.
• Biliary colic is a symptom experienced when eating a fatty meal. The gallbladder contracts, and a stone blocks its drainage, leading to severe pain. Once the gallbladder relaxes, the stone dislodges, and the pain improves.

PROCEDURE

Even though there exist two methods of performing a cholecystectomy, an open repair is seldom, if ever, indicated, and most often, a minimally invasive approach is utilised.

Laparoscopic/minimally invasive cholecystectomy

A less invasive cholecystectomy is a procedure that involves creating tiny incisions over the abdomen. Afterwards, Dr Botes pumps the abdominal region using harmless gas (CO2). Next, he inserts surgical equipment through the holes using a light at the tip of the laparoscope to see inside the operative site. After this, Dr Botes removes the gallbladder from the liver and nearby structures. Once he separates the gallbladder from surrounding structures, he removes the organ through one of the small cuts. After removing the organ, he uses stitches to seal the incisions.