Understanding Gallbladder Issues
The gallbladder is located just beneath the liver at the upper right side of the abdomen. Due to their expertise in abdominal surgery and their familiarity with the liver's anatomy, liver surgeons Dr Victor Lee and Dr Tan Ek Khoon are well-equipped to treat gallbladder conditions, including the following:
- Gallstones – Hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder
- Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Gallbladder cancer – Malignant tumours within the gallbladder
Minimally Invasive/Keyhole Gallbladder Surgery for Removal of Gallstones
Our medical team comprises some of the top surgeons in keyhole gallbladder surgery. Our clinic typically performs 80-100 gallbladder surgeries per year, with a 30-day mortality rate of zero. We take pride in our patients’ quick recovery and minimal scarring. For elective cases, patients can be discharged on the same or the next day.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a medical procedure in which the patient’s gallbladder is removed using laparoscopic or keyhole techniques. It is a minimally invasive surgery in which the surgical procedure is performed with the help of a video camera as well as other non-invasive surgical instruments.
Most gallbladder problems are usually caused by gallstones, which consist of bile salts and cholesterol. Traditionally, the gallbladder is removed by making a 5-8 inch inches long incision in the upper abdominal area. Presently, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the standard of care. During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a laparoscopic (a device used to see the internal organs) and other small instruments are used to perform the same surgery. This involves the use of 3-4 smaller skin punctures rather than the long incision; each puncture measures 5-10mm.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Technique
The development of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy technique is attributed to the dynamic medical industry, multiple technological enhancements, and improvements in the fields of surgery. Below are the two most common techniques of laparoscopic cholecystectomy:
Standard Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy This widely-used method involves 4 ports: two with 10mm incisions and two with 5mm incisions, through which surgical instruments are inserted. The first 10mm cut is used to insert a telescope while the second 10mm cut is the surgeon’s main working port. Of the two 5mm ports, one is placed in the right lumbar region for gallbladder fundus traction, and the other is used as the surgeon’s left-hand working port. This technique is commonly referred to as the '10-10-5-5' or '4-port standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Modified Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy This procedure is relatively less painful and offers better cosmetic results compared to the standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy. With this procedure, the number or size of the ports is reduced; for example, the incisions can be reduced from 10mm to 5mm. Patients benefit from only three ports (instead of the usual 4) with less pain and leaving only smaller, 5mm scars.
Benefits of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Less painful procedure
- Only 3 small cuts of 5-10 mm each are made instead of 5-8 inches long incisions
- Cosmetically better than open surgery
- Speedy recovery, usually a patient can return to normal activities within a few days
- In some cases, patients may even return home the same day after surgery
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed by trained surgeons, even in difficult cases with large gallstones, previous gallbladder infection, or acute cholecystitis. It is important for patients to discuss their surgeries with competent and well-trained surgeons who have a good track record of success.
If you have been diagnosed with gallstone disease, check with your doctor to understand more about laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery to prevent further episodes of pain!
