The gallbladder is a pear-shaped, hollow digestive organ, which is situated under the liver. Gallbladder removal surgery has been conducted in over 12 million individuals every year, medical journals disclosed. Sometimes, the removal of the gallbladder may be necessary for the patient, but not always. The symptoms of gallstones may be experienced by some individuals while others go on with their lives never experiencing the dreaded symptoms. Unfortunately for some people, they may experience discomfort that gets worse when they are under stress or when they eat the wrong foods. A surgery may be necessary to remove the gallstones.

The surgery aims to remove the gallstones and inhibit potential development of gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder patients may be at risk of some complications although removal of the gallbladder is quick and safe procedure.

• Infection. Infection can occur in about one in 15 gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomies). A short course of antibiotics prevents the development of infection.
• Leak of bile from the bile duct. The incidence of bile leakage occurs in one in 100 cases. The tube that connects the gallbladder to the main duct is clinched by special clips.
• Bleeding. Bleeding occurs in two percent of cases. The risk of bleeding increases when patients take anti-clotting drugs and those who have cholangitis.
• Acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). When the outlet of the gallbladder is stuck with stone, acute cholecystitis may occur. First there is a chemical reaction of the bile literally starting to digest the gallbladder causing inflammation and unremitting pain. Bacteria can easily penetrate in gallbladder, which may result to gangrene of the gallbladder.

Robot-assisted surgery is now the most popular laparascopic procedure and treatment for gallbladder stones and cancer, offering lesser complications and faster recovery after prostatectomy. Intuitive Surgical representatives will attend a school event in New York wherein students will have the chance to sit behind the robotic console and view the robotic surgical procedure.

References:

nhs.uk/Conditions/Laparoscopiccholecystectomy/Pages/Riskspage.aspx

nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002930.htm

bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/g/gallbladder-removal

michaelbickford.com.au/gall_michael.html

nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/gallstones/surgery.html