Gallbladder Removal Surgery In Milton Keynes
The gallbladder is a small sac located in the abdomen that helps to aid digestion and store the bile that is produced by the liver.
Sometimes the gallbladder doesn’t function as it should and gallstones can occur. If you are experiencing severe or frequent gallstone symptoms, gallbladder removal surgery (known as cholecystectomy) may be necessary.
When is gallbladder removal surgery necessary?
A gallbladder removal surgery is necessary if your gallstones are causing uncomfortable symptoms or if your gallbladder has developed cancerous polyps.
When your gallbladder needs removing, you will often experience symptoms such as:
- Sudden, intense pain in your abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of your skin and whites of the eyes)
- A fever
- Frequent attacks of symptoms
If your gallstones are harming your quality, then a cholecystectomy is the best treatment. Not only will it ease your symptoms, but it will also prevent gallstones from returning.
What happens during gallbladder surgery?
Gallbladder removal surgery is a low-risk procedure and you can often go home on the same day or within the next couple of days. However, this depends on your overall health and if any complications arise during the surgery.
Surgeons can perform gallbladder removal surgery laparoscopically or with robotic technology — both of which we offer at our private clinic in Milton Keynes.
Laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses keyhole surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgeons generally use this type of surgery because the recovery time is faster and it reduces the risk of scarring.
The surgeon will typically make four small incisions into the abdomen in this procedure. They will place a thin tube with a tiny camera into your stomach through one of the openings. The surgeon can then see inside your abdomen through a video monitor in the operating room.
The surgeon will remove the gallbladder from your body and suture the incisions. You may need further scans, like an X-ray or an ultrasound, to ensure that the gallstones are gone, but this isn’t always necessary.
Versius robotic cholecystectomy
As well as laparoscopic surgery, we also perform cholecystectomies with the Versius robot. This small surgical robot runs from a digital ecosystem and enhances the procedure’s precision and agility.
During the procedure, the surgeon uses robotic arms with a camera and surgical tools attached that they insert into small incisions in your abdomen. They control the robotic arms with a remote console near the operating table. Using the surgical robot arms, the surgeon safely removes the gallbladder and stitches up the incisions.
The Versius robotic system provides surgeons with freedom of port placement (the small incisions needed to insert the arms). Robotic surgery can also result in fewer complications, including decreased pain, blood loss and scarring.
You can find out everything you need to know in our dedicated robot-assisted surgery guide.
The benefits of gallbladder removal
Having gallbladder removal surgery can have many benefits for your health. When the gallbladder needs removing, you will probably be experiencing severe, frequent or painful symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
- Drops in your blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
Once surgery removes the gallbladder, these unpleasant symptoms should dissipate, and you will be back to feeling well again.
Gallbladder removal surgery can also mitigate the risk of infection and inflammation, which can be serious and require immediate medical attention.
Risks of gallbladder surgery
While gallbladder removal is a routine, standard procedure, some risks are still associated with it. The potential risks of gallbladder removal surgery include:
- Infection
- Bile leakage (this can cause pain, nausea and swelling of the abdomen)
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the leg vein)
- Allergic reactions to the anaesthetic (extremely rare)
When you choose Mr Achal Khanna as your surgeon, the chances of these risks are significantly reduced because of his expert knowledge and wealth of experience in the procedure.
Find out more about the potential risks of gallbladder surgery.
Why choose Mr Achal Khanna for gallbladder removal surgery?
Choosing the right surgeon for your gallbladder removal surgery is essential. As one of the most well-qualified and experienced surgeons in treating gallstones, Mr Achal Khanna offers cholecystectomy treatment to patients in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.
Mr Achal Khanna takes a personalised, tailored approach to all patients to ensure they receive the best care that meets their needs.
If you are concerned that you may have a problem with your gallbladder and require expert advice and surgery, please use our contact form or contact Mr Khanna’s clinic on 01908 305 127.