Dr Pieter Swart

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ situated under the liver in the upper-right section of your abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile made by the liver, which helps digest fats in the foods you eat.

 

Why would I need surgery?

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You may need gallbladder surgery is stones have been detected in your gallbladder. Gallstones can block the flow of bile in your digestive system, causing jaundice bloating, nausea, vomiting, and pain in your abdomen, shoulder, back, or chest. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy (or gallbladder surgery) is a surgery during which Dr Swart removes your gallbladder using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

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What does the surgery involve?

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Under general anaesthesia, small incisions made below the right side of your rib cage and in the centre of the abdomen. A laparoscope, which is a narrow tube with a camera, is inserted through one small incision. This allows your surgeon to view your gallbladder on a monitor while other surgical tools are inserted through other incisions in the abdomen. The gallbladder is then cut away from the surrounding tissue, removed and the skin is closed with stitches.

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What can I expect after my surgery?

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You may need to stay a night in the hospital after your procedure for observation. You will feel some pain at the incision areas, in your abdomen and possibly your shoulders after your gallbladder removal, however pain medications will help with the pain and discomfort. When you are discharged, should you have any symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, bleeding or excessive pain, you should contact your doctor immediately.  Dr Swart will advise you on making follow up appointment after your discharge.

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