Gallstones can strike suddenly and unexpectedly, bringing intense pain that disrupts your daily life. Those hardened deposits in your gallbladder can also cause complications if left untreated.
Gallstone surgery, or cholecystectomy, can alleviate the pain you feel and prevent further health issues. This guide will help you understand what gallstone surgery involves, the risks of untreated gallstones, and how to prepare for the procedure.
Gallstones and symptoms
The gallbladder is a small organ under the liver that contains bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Gallstones are crystallised deposits of digestive fluid that develop in the gallbladder and cause pain. They vary in size and can cause a range of symptoms.
Some individuals may have silent gallstones, which present without any symptoms.. Most people, however, experience symptoms like those below:
- Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen or the centre of your abdomen
- Pain between your shoulder blades
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion, bloating, and gas
- Fever and chills (if an infection is present)
Surgery is necessary when these stones cause severe symptoms or lead to complications like those below.
Why treat gallstones?
Ignoring gallstone symptoms can result in serious discomfort, pain and health risks:
- Increased Pain: Gallstone attacks can become more frequent and severe over time.
- Infection: Persistent blockages can lead to infections that require emergency treatment.
- Organ Damage: Untreated gallstones can damage the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder.
- Gallbladder Cancer: Chronic gallstone disease has a slight risk of developing into gallbladder cancer.
You can also develop various complications and health conditions when you do not seek prompt treatment for your gallstones.
- Cholecystitis: Swelling of the gallbladder, which can cause severe pain and fever.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct.
- Cholangitis: Infection of the bile ducts, which can be life-threatening.
- Gallbladder gangrene: Tissue death within the gallbladder due to severe infection or inflammation, potentially leading to perforation.
Preparing for gallstone surgery
Before you go for gallstone surgery, it is important to make adequate preparations. Here are some essential steps:
Food & medicine
- Pre-surgery diet: Follow any dietary guidelines provided by your surgeon, which may include fasting for a certain period before surgery.
- Medication adjustments: Disclose all medications , supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking to your doctor. Some medicines, especially blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, may need to be discontinued or adjusted before surgery.
Clothing & personal items
- Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery to accommodate bandages and swelling.
- Personal Items: Bring essentials such as your ID and a list of your medications. Leave valuables at home.
- Supportive Footwear: Choose shoes that are easy to put on and take off, as you might have difficulty bending after surgery.
Other precautions
- Transportation: Arrange for friends or family to drive you home after surgery, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.
- Post-surgery help: Plan for assistance at home for a few days after the surgery, especially if you live alone.
- Medical instructions: Follow any specific pre-surgery instructions from your healthcare provider, including hygiene routines or additional tests.
What to expect with gallstone surgery
Understanding the different stages of gallstone surgery can help calm any anxiety you have and ensure a smooth experience.
Before
Before the surgery, you’ll need a pre-operative assessment, including blood tests, imaging studies, and a medical history review. You’ll also receive detailed instructions on how to prepare, including any necessary fasting.
During
During the surgery, you will be unconscious due to the general anaesthesia. The surgeon will make small incisions in your abdomen and use a camera to guide the removal of the gallbladder. In an open cholecystectomy, a larger incision is made to access the gallbladder directly. The procedure typically lasts between one to two hours.
After
After the surgery, you will be relocated to a recovery room until the anaesthesia wears off. You may feel pain and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Most patients can go home the same day for laparoscopic surgery, while open surgery may require a more extended hospital stay. Recovery instructions will include guidelines on diet, activity, and wound care.
Gallstone surgery in Singapore
Gallstones can cause sudden and severe pain, but addressing them promptly through surgery can alleviate symptoms and prevent serious complications.
At Ark Surgical Practice, we have years of experience performing gallstone surgery in Singapore and are committed to providing quality care for your smooth recovery. We perform laparoscopic and open cholecystectomies tailored to each patient’s needs.
If you’re struggling with gallstones, don’t wait to seek treatment. Schedule a consultation today.
