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Laparoscopic Surgery For Gallstones |
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Gallstones are more common in overweight people and in females, the latter believed to be due to a relationship between gallstone formation and oestrogen hormone. Small gallstones may pass unnoticed through the duct and into the intestine. Large stones can become lodged in the neck of the gallbladder. This causes cramps and pain. The site where the stone is stuck may become inflamed or infected.
Treatment for gallstones is to remove the gallbladder. A common procedure for this operation uses a laparoscope. A small incision is made in the abdomen. The laparoscope, which is a flexible tube, is inserted through the incision into the abdominal cavity. The gallbladder is viewed and then removed. Removing the gallbladder by this method reduces trauma to the abdominal wall. Patients usually go home the day after surgery and return to work in a few days. Not all patients are candidates for this procedure. Those with large stones or scar tissue around the gallbladder may require open surgery. The laparoscopic procedure can be switched to an open surgical procedure if a problem results. Article #5412 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
