Laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery

Surgery to remove the gallbladder is called cholecystectomy (ko-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-mee). It may be done if the gallbladder is blocked or is very swollen and filled with fluid.

The surgery is usually done with a laparoscope. The doctor puts a lighted tube and other surgical tools through small cuts (incisions) in your child's belly. The tube is called a scope. It lets the doctor see your child's organs so the doctor can do the surgery.

The incisions leave scars that fade with time.

Your child may go home the same day or may need to stay for 1 or 2 days. Most children have only a small amount of pain, which gets better over 1 week. It may be a week or so before your child can return to their normal activities.

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is the most common method to remove a diseased gallbladder.

This surgery is used most often when no factors, such as scar tissue from previous belly surgeries, are present. If you have factors that may complicate laparoscopic surgery, your doctor may choose to do an open surgery.

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is generally safe and effective. Surgery removes a diseased gallbladder and gets rid of gallstones. It does not remove stones in the common bile duct. Gallstones can form in the common bile duct years after the gallbladder is removed. But this is rare.

Surgery can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• Talk to your child about the surgery and what will happen. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
• Ask if a special tour of the surgery area and hospital is available. This may make your child feel less nervous about what happens.
• Plan for your child's recovery time. Your child may need more of your time right after the surgery, both for care and for comfort.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the surgery. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.

The day before surgery

• A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's surgery and answer any questions.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before surgery. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

Activity

• Have your child rest when your child feels tired.
• Ask your doctor about what type of daily activity is safe for your child.
• Allow your child's body to heal. Don't let your child move quickly or lift anything heavy until after you see the doctor for your child's first follow-up appointment.
• Many children are able to return to normal activities 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. It may be longer for more active sports.

Diet

• Start to offer small amounts of food when your child feels like eating. Your child may need to avoid fatty foods like fried foods or cheese for a while. They can cause symptoms, such as diarrhea and bloating.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids. If your child has to limit fluids because of a health problem, talk with your doctor before you increase how much your child drinks.
• If your child's bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, you can help your child to avoid constipation and straining. Have your child drink plenty of water. The doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask the doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.

Incision care

• If there are strips of tape on the cuts (incisions) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.
• Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
• You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluid or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.

Hygiene

• Your child may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incisions dry. Your child should not swim or take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.