Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the method in which the gallbladder is removed by the laparoscopic technique which involves making 4 small incisions to remove gallbladder.
Unlike open cholecystectomy where a 5 to 8 inch long cut is made to remove the gallbladder, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed through several small incisions. usually 4 incisions with each ranging from one inch or less in length.
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery performed with the assistance of a video camera and few other thin instruments. During a laparoscopic surgery, small incisions of up to half an inch are made and plastic tubes called ports are placed through these incisions. The camera and the instruments are then inserted in these ports which allows the surgeon to access the images of the internal organs of the patient’s body which the surgeon will not be able to without performing a large incision. The camera inserted through the port projects images of the internal organs helps to become the doctors eye and perform the surgery.
Patients are expected to recover and get back to work within a week’s time. After a rest for about 7 to 10 days the patient may perform his/her daily activities which includes driving, walking up the stairs, light lifting and work. Activity is dependent on how the patient feels. Walking is also encouraged. It depends on the nature of your job since patients who perform manual labour or heavy lifting may require two to four weeks of recovery.
