Cholecystectomi

Cholecystectomi, also known as cholecystectomy, is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. It is commonly performed to treat gallbladder diseases such as gallstones (cholelithiasis) and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), as well as related biliary conditions. There are two main surgical approaches: laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure using several small incisions and a camera, and open cholecystectomy, which uses a larger abdominal incision. Both aim to remove the gallbladder while preserving the bile ducts.

Indications for cholecystectomy include symptomatic gallstones, acute or chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, and gallbladder polyps. In some cases, non-surgical management or delayed surgery might be considered, but removal is standard for persistent or bothersome symptoms.

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient is under general anesthesia. The surgeon clips and divides the cystic artery and cystic duct, detaches the gallbladder from the liver, and extracts it through one of the incisions. In open cholecystectomy, an incision is made to access and remove the gallbladder directly. After either procedure, the bile ducts are checked for patency, and drainage is uncommon.

Recovery varies by method. Laparoscopic surgery often allows discharge within 24 hours and return to normal activities within 1–2 weeks; open surgery requires a longer hospital stay and recovery. Risks include infection, bleeding, bile leakage, injury to the bile ducts or surrounding organs, and, rarely, retained stones in the biliary tree. Most patients experience relief from symptoms after cholecystectomy, and digestion typically remains adequate, though some changes in bowel habit may occur temporarily.