Cholecystectomy is the removal of gall bladder:

What are the other procedures being done before considering cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is the removal of gall bladder.



It is a surgical procedure, which is used to remove the gall bladder, during infection, presence of gall stones and so on. It is also referred to as open cholecystectomy, when the gall bladder is removed by opening the abdomen. The complexity of the condition, general health and other conditions determine the kind of treatment. Your query makes it obvious that you want to avoid surgery.



A physician recommends gall bladder surgery, in case of gall bladder cancer, gall stones, biliary dyskinesia or improper gall bladder function and cholecystitis or inflammation of the gall bladder.

Inflammation and infection of the gall bladder due to stones result in gall bladder tear or rupture. This is prevented by cholecystectomy. Small cuts are made in the case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The instrument is introduced through a small cut in the navel region.



The other procedure that is considered prior to cholecystectomy is the use of medications. A small number of stones are easily dissolved by medicines.

A pain killer is taken under the guidance of your physician, a week prior to surgery. Avoid smoking, as it delays the process of healing and tissue repair. A light meal such as a salad or soup proves beneficial, on the night prior to the surgery. Abstain from drinking any liquid after midnight or on the morning of the surgery. Avoid water, tea and coffee, prior to surgery. Consumption of certain pain killers, on the week prior to surgery, help in reduction of blood loss, during the procedure. Avoid smoking cigarettes, two months before surgery.

It takes a month or more for recovery. Heavy activities, which involve a lot of stress, are not recommended. Intravenous feeding is done after surgery.



Oral eating is delayed and takes some time. Intestinal recovery is gradual and slow and hence, regular foods are commenced in a gradual manner. Delay in treatment results in a number of complications. Certain symptoms, such as severe pain, nausea, fever, vomiting and bleeding call for immediate medical attention.  Yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal swelling, excess bleeding from injuries, pain in spite of pain killers and inflammation of wounds are some of the other symptoms that require immediate attention.

Certain risks are related to cholecystectomy. They are presence of infection, injury to neighbouring organs, leakage of bile, problems related to anaesthesia and so on. Convalescing after surgery is an important part of recovery.