Your gallbladder is in your abdomen and helps digestion by storing the bile your liver produces. However, your gallbladder may need to be surgically removed if you experience severe, untreatable gallstones.
Choosing the right surgeon for your gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is crucial. You want to pick a highly qualified, experienced surgeon who is knowledgeable about the procedure. But how do you choose the right one and what else should you consider? Find out with Mr Achal Khanna in our latest blog post.
How is gallbladder removal surgery done?
Gallbladder surgery is a low-risk procedure performed laparoscopically (using keyhole surgery). Laparoscopic techniques often mean you experience an easier recovery and a reduced risk of scarring compared to open surgery.
The surgeon will make minor cuts or incisions in your abdomen during the procedure. They then insert a thin tube with a camera attached to one end into one of the incisions. The camera relays images in real-time onto a screen so that the surgeon can easily visualise the inside of your abdomen.
The surgeon will remove your gallbladder and suture (close) the small incisions. In total, the procedure should take around 30 minutes.
What to consider before gallbladder removal surgery
Before any surgery, you want to ensure you are fully prepared. Preparations can include:
- Organising transport to and from the hospital
- Not eating or drinking for a specified time beforehand
- Stop taking certain medications if the surgeon advises you to do so
Potential risks of gallbladder removal
You should be aware of some potential risks before undergoing gallbladder removal surgery.
Potential risks include:
- Infection either during or after surgery
- Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
- Injury to nearby structures such as your liver and bile duct
However, these risks are rare, and some of them, such as infection, can be avoided by choosing the right surgeon and following the correct aftercare measures.
Benefits of gallbladder removal surgery
Gallbladder removal surgery has many benefits for your health, including preventing further complications from gallstones, such as jaundice and inflammation of the pancreas.
You won’t experience pain from gallstones, as they can no longer form. Any other symptoms you regularly experience because of your gallbladder will also dissipate.
The importance of choosing an experienced surgeon
Experience is invaluable, especially when choosing a surgeon for your gallbladder removal. An experienced surgeon like Mr Acha Khanna can help mitigate the risk of complications arising during your procedure and enhance your results.
In addition, experienced surgeons are used to working on patients with different problems and health concerns. So they will understand how to treat you and your body, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
How to choose the right surgeon for gallbladder removal
Many factors are crucial when selecting a surgeon for your gallbladder removal. Thorough and careful research is the best way to ensure you pick the right one.
Qualifications and credentials
Doctors must achieve specific qualifications and credentials to become a surgeon. You want to ensure you pick a fully qualified surgeon with the credentials to back up their expertise.
In the UK, a surgeon must have the following:
- A degree in medicine recognised by the General Medical Council
- A two-year foundation programme of general training
- Core surgical training in a hospital for two years
- Specialist training for up to six years
From September 2023, an apprenticeship became a new route to becoming a surgeon.
Experience and specialisation
Experience is vital when choosing a surgeon. You must be confident they can easily perform the surgery as this gives you optimal results. It also means they can reduce the risk of complications you want to avoid.
Specialisation is a facet of surgery that you should consider when choosing a surgeon. Gallbladder surgery with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques reduces scarring and enhances recovery. Look for a surgeon who specialises in the latest techniques and you will see the benefits.
Referrals and recommendations
If your GP has advised gallbladder surgery, ask them who they would recommend. Other specialists such as a dietician may also recommend surgeons to perform the surgery. They will have a better insight into the surgical world, so they could provide you with a list of experts.
You should also look at patient testimonials and online reviews to learn first-hand what it’s like to have the surgery performed by a specific surgeon.
Surgical techniques
Surgeons use different surgical techniques in gallbladder removal surgery, but you want the one that will benefit you the most.
Mr Achal Khanna performs gallbladder removal laparoscopically, which is a beneficial, minimally invasive technique. However, other surgeons may not, so you must consider the proper.
Why choose Mr Achal Khanna for your gallbladder removal surgery?
Mr Achal Khanna is a highly qualified surgeon with many years of experience. He attended Nottingham University and completed his surgical training in the East Midlands. Since then, he has become a Member and a Fellow at the Royal College of Surgeons in England.
Mr Achal Khanna is an expert in laparoscopic surgery. This specialist keyhole technique means his patients experience much less pain and can return to daily life sooner. In addition, Mr Acha Khanna uses the Versius system’s robot-assisted techniques to enhance patient outcomes and recovery. He was the first in Europe to perform an inguinal hernia repair with Versius.
The patient testimonials speak for themselves, but you can get a feel for Mr Achal Khanna’s professionalism and knowledge from their experiences.
Choosing the right surgeon for your gallbladder surgery removal is crucial, as is knowing what to seek. Understanding how surgeons perform the surgery will help you pick one who uses the best techniques, such as robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery.
If you need gallbladder removal surgery, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Mr Achal Khanna is an expert in this procedure and uses the best techniques to enhance your experience and recovery.