Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy) in Abu Dhabi, UAE

What is Gallbladder Removal surgery (Cholecystectomy)?

Gallbladder removal surgery is a procedure performed by a general surgeon to address gallbladder problems such as gallstone related pain, inflammation and related to complications arising from movement of the gall stones into the bile pipe.

It is usually done either as a planned procedure or as an urgent procedure depending on the need and clinical condition as felt appropriate by the treating surgeon. There are two options: it can be done through an open incision in the abdomen (which is very rare in the planned setting)) or via laparoscopy, which involves a few small keyhole incisions – Keyhole surgery. During the gallbladder removal laparoscopic surgery, the doctor uses a particular camera to see inside the abdomen and address the issue at the same time by using other instruments inserted through smaller incisions.

What Is a Gallbladder Stone and why do they form?

Bile, a secretion produced by the liver, aids in the digestion of fats and helps decrease cholesterol levels in the blood.
Gallbladder stones form when there is an imbalance between fat and bile. This imbalance can lead to the precipitation of cholesterol, which can then serve as a nidus for stone formation.
Additionally, increased bilirubin levels, which occur due to elevated hemoglobin breakdown as seen in certain blood diseases, since bilirubin is a product of hemoglobin breakdown, can also contribute to the formation of gallstones.
They are generally more common in females and people who are overweight, but not all the time.

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What are the types of Gallbladder Stones?

There are two main types of gallbladder stones: cholesterol gallstones and pigment gallstones.

Cholesterol gallstones form when an excess of cholesterol in the diet overwhelms the bile’s ability to manage it, or from a gut flora imbalance.
Pigment gallstones, on the other hand, result from increased bilirubin levels. Since bilirubin carries a yellow pigment, these stones are called pigment gallstones. They typically occur in conditions with frequent breakdown of blood elements, such sickle cell anemia (disease characterized by change in the nature and shape of red blood cells) and some hemoglobinopathies.
In some cases, individuals may develop a mixture of both cholesterol and pigment stones.

How Can Gallbladder Stone Be Diagnosed?

There are several diagnostic tools available for diagnosing gallstones. Gallbladder surgeons determine the appropriate diagnostic plan based on each individual’s case and medical condition.
Typically, ultrasound is considered the best imaging tool for gallstones as it provides valuable information about the size, location, and potential complications of the stones.
On special occasions an MRCP (MRI scan), Endoscopic ultrasound or CT scans may be helpful in obtaining more information related to gall stone and their complications.
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is increasingly used as a therapeutic endoscopic procedure, is primarily used for gall bladder stone removal when needed from the bile pipe. ERCP cannot remove stones from the Gall bladder. It is particularly beneficial when the stone is in the common bile duct, which connects the gallbladder to the pancreas. Stones migrating to the bile pipe can cause jaundice, infection which need to be addressed urgently and rarely pancreatitis if it travels further down.
All of these tools help the gall bladder specialists further develop the management plan.

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What Are the Various Gallbladder Stones Treatment Options?

According to each case, the gallbladder specialist determines the best treatment option based on the condition:

• Medications: Used primarily in the early stages of the disease, medications help manage symptoms and prevent further complications. Their ability to cure gall stone disease or make the disappear is doubtful.
• Cholecystectomy: This procedure, which involves the removal of the gallbladder, can be performed either laparoscopically (the most common method) or through a right upper abdominal incision – Open surgery which is very rarely done on a planned basis.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography): An endoscopic procedure used for both diagnosing and treating gallstones that have migrated into the common bile duct. (and not in the Gall bladder)

Types of Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

Open Cholecystectomy

Open cholecystectomy involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder along with the stones inside it. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a surgical incision of about 5 cm in the right upper abdominal quadrant, below the ribs. Doctors typically choose this option for complicated cases that cannot be managed laparoscopically or by other procedures.

Gallbladder removal laparoscopic surgery

Also known as, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed under general anesthesia and involves making a few keyhole incisions in the abdomen through which a laparoscope is inserted. This method allows the gallbladder specialist to address the gallstone issue with less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and minimal cosmetic scarring.

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How to prepare for Gallstone Removal Surgery

During the preoperative visit with your gallbladder surgeon, make sure to ask all your questions to address any fears or concerns you may have.
Compile your medication history to determine which medications should be stopped before surgery, which should be continued, and any necessary adjustments to dosage or route of administration before and after the procedure.
Avoid fatty foods the day before surgery. Typically, you will need to fast starting the night before, avoiding all food and drink after midnight.
Take a shower and shave the abdominal area the night before.
The surgeon will provide specific instructions for preparation based on the type of procedure. Follow these guidelines carefully.
Bring someone you trust to the hospital to accompany you throughout the procedure.
On the day of surgery, wear comfortable clothes. Prepare a bag with extra comfortable clothing, easy-to-wear slippers, and don’t forget to bring your ID card, passport, or insurance card if you have one.

Procedure of Gallbladder Removal Surgery

Typically, open or laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is performed under general anesthesia. First, you will be taken to the operating room, where the anesthesia process begins. Anesthesia is administered through medications delivered via an intravenous catheter, with respiratory support provided by a mechanical ventilator.
Once you are fully anesthetized, the gallbladder surgeon will make the necessary incisions and start the operation, which involves extracting the stones with or without removing the gallbladder.
After the surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room, where you will be monitored as you regain consciousness. Doctors and nurses will be present to ensure that you are comfortable, do not experience any pain, and do not encounter any complications.

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Gallbladder Removal Surgery – aftercare

Although gallbladder surgery rarely causes complications, proper aftercare is crucial for recovery and achieving the best outcome.
After discharge—usually on the same day or the day after for laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures, and after a few days for open surgery—you are advised to consume a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and avoid lifting heavy objects, as straining can interrupt the healing process.
Patients are also advised to take deep breaths throughout the day to help prevent respiratory infections due to stasis, walk around the room, and resume mild to moderate daily activities. Early mobilization enhances blood flow and promotes healing, but high-performance activities should be avoided for the first 4 to 6 weeks.

What are the long-term side effects of gallbladder removal?

While long-term effects such as occasional diarrhea, difficulty with fatty foods digestion, nausea, vomiting, or heartburn may occur after gallbladder removal, many individuals successfully adapt and continue to lead healthy lives.

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Why Choose Gallbladder Surgery at Reem Hospital, Abu Dhabi?

At Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, we combine state-of-the-art technology with the expertise of highly skilled surgeons. In our General Surgery Department, we use advanced techniques to ensure minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times.

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