Name of the Procedure:

Cholecystectomy; with Cholangiography
Common name(s): Gallbladder removal with bile duct imaging

Summary

A cholecystectomy with cholangiography is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder and use special imaging to check for stones or blockages in the bile ducts.

Purpose

This procedure addresses gallbladder issues such as gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), and bile duct obstructions. The goal is to relieve pain, prevent future gallstone formation, and ensure the bile ducts are clear.

Indications

• Severe gallbladder pain (biliary colic)
• Acute or chronic cholecystitis
• Gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct
• Pancreatitis caused by gallstones
• Biliary dyskinesia (poor function of the bile ducts)

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments to medications as directed by the surgeon.

• Pre-operative blood tests and imaging studies, such as an ultrasound.

  Procedure Description

  1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
  2. Incisions: Small incisions are made in the abdomen.
  3. Laparoscope: A laparoscope (camera) is inserted through one of the incisions.
  4. Gallbladder Removal: Surgical instruments are used to detach and remove the gallbladder.
  5. Cholangiography: A dye is injected into the bile ducts, and X-rays are taken to look for stones or blockages.
  6. Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital or surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Nurse
• Radiology Technician

Risks and Complications

• Common: Infection, bleeding, bile leak.
• Rare: Injury to surrounding organs, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Relief from pain and discomfort caused by gallbladder problems.
• Prevention of future gallstones and associated complications.
• Improved digestion and overall health.

Recovery

• Hospital stay: 1-2 days or same-day discharge for some patients.
• Restricted activities: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for 2-4 weeks.
• Follow-up appointments: Necessary to monitor recovery and remove stitches if required.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical options: Medications to dissolve gallstones (limited effectiveness).
• Endoscopic procedures: ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) to remove bile duct stones.
• Pros/Cons: Non-surgical options may not permanently resolve the issue; endoscopic methods are less invasive but may not be suitable for all cases.

Patient Experience

During the procedure: The patient will be under general anesthesia and will not feel anything. After the procedure: Some pain and discomfort at the incision sites, manageable with pain medication. Gradual return to normal activities is expected within a few weeks.

Pain management includes prescribed pain relievers and comfort measures such as rest and hydration.