Open Gallbladder Surgery for Gallstones

In open gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy), the surgeon removes

thegallbladder through a single, large cut (incision) in the abdomen. You will
need general anesthesia, and the surgery lasts 1 to 2 hours. The surgeon will
make the incision either under the border of the right rib cage or in the
middle of the upper part of the abdomen (between the belly button and the
end of the breastbone).
Doctors do most open gallbladder surgeries after trying first to remove the
gallbladder with laparoscopic surgery. A few people have conditions that
require open gallbladder surgery. For more information, see the Why It Is
Done section below.

What To Expect After Surgery?

Surgery usually involves a hospital stay of 2 to 4 days or longer. Most people
can return to their normal activities in 4 to 6 weeks. Open surgery involves
more pain afterward and a longer recovery period than laparoscopic surgery.
This surgery leaves a moderately large scar [4 in. (10.2 cm) to 8 in. (20.3
cm) long].
No special diets or other precautions are needed after surgery.

Why It Is Done?
Several conditions may lead to surgery to remove the gallbladder. Conditions
that may require open rather than laparoscopic surgery include:

Severe inflammation of the bile duct or gallbladder.

Inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis).

High pressure in blood vessels in the liver (portal

hypertension). This is caused by cirrhosis of the liver.

Being in the third trimester of pregnancy.

A major bleeding disorder or use of medicines to prevent

blood clotting (blood thinners or anticoagulants).

Scar tissue from many previous abdominal surgeries.

Abnormal anatomy in the abdomen.

In 5 to 10 out of 100 laparoscopic gallbladder surgeries in the United States,

the surgeon needs to switch to an open surgical method that requires a
larger incision.1Examples of problems that can require open rather than
laparoscopic surgery include unexpected inflammation, scar tissue, injury, or
bleeding.
How Well It Works?
Surgery reduces the risk that gallstones will come back.
But gallstones sometimes form in the bile ducts years after cholecystectomy,
although this is not common.
Risks
The possible complications of open gallbladder surgery include:

Injury to the common bile duct.

Excessive bleeding.

Infection of the surgical wound.

Injuries to the liver, intestines, or major abdominal blood

vessels.

Blood clots or pneumonia related to the longer recovery

period after open surgery.

Risks of general anesthesia.

After gallbladder surgery, some people have ongoing abdominal symptoms,

such as pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea (postcholecystectomy syndrome).

Open Cholecystectomy/
Open Gallbladder Surgery
for Gallstones

Submitted By: Krizia P. Bonilla

Submitted To: Ms. Corazon Guanco
Date : July 27, 2013