GALLBLADDER PROCEDURES
GALLBLADDER SURGERY – AN OVERVIEW
Gallbladder surgery is quite often performed for gallstones and other pathologies like gallbladder cancer.
Symptoms of gallbladder disease often include pain in the right upper abdomen, spreading to the right shoulder, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms often recur before becoming more severe and persistent. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through an ultrasound.
Surgery will most often be curative and will involve removing the gallbladder. The procedure is called a cholecystectomy and will usually be done laparoscopically. The procedure often involves a day or two in hospital and anything from 15 to 60 minutes in theatre.
Potential risks: Short-term complications will occur in about 0,6% of cases. Bile duct injuries are the worst-case scenario. On discharge, mobilisation and return to normal daily activities are encouraged.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Dr van Beljon provides individualised care for all his patients. This means that he chooses the best treatment for each patient based on their specific symptoms and physiology. He will chat to you about your condition and treatment options in more detail during the initial consultation.
Should you wish to get a general overview of your condition, the Mayo Clinic provides easy to identify patient resources. Dr van Beljon has identified some of the Mayo Clinic’s resources below:
What do I need to bring with me to my first consultation?
- Your ID / passport
- Your medical aid / insurance card
- List of chronic medication and the dosage
- List of previous surgeries
- Summary of medical complaints
- A referral letter if you have been referred by another healthcare professional
- R500 CASH as a co-payment for consulting a specialist.
Please ensure that you have all of the above available to ensure a smooth and productive consultation.
What instructions should I follow after I have had a surgical procedure?
This may differ from case to case but this is a general guide:
- Make sure you ask all your questions during / before discharge
- Make sure you ask for a sick letter before discharge
- Wound dressings are usually to be removed 2 days after discharge and should be left open. Normal shower/ bathing can then be resumed
- Discharged patients may resume a normal diet
- Make a follow-up appointment by contacting the practice on 012 548 7271.
LIVER SURGERY
Surgical disease of the liver is rare, but when portions need be removed, the liver is able to regenerate itself.
PANCREATIC SURGERY
Surgical disease of the pancreas are rare, but the pancreas is typically removed when cancerous.