Your gallbladder produces bile to help digest fats. However, there are times when it becomes subject to disease and needs removal. Nucleus Medical Media breaks down what kinds of conditions prompt the need for gallbladder surgery, and what happens during the procedure.
The organ in question is a “pear-shaped pouch” that sits beneath the liver.
It attaches itself to the liver and small intestines via tubes known as “ducts.”
The medical terminology for this kind of surgery is also called a cholecystectomy, which means “gallbladder removal. This might be needed for the case of polyps, gallstones, or even biliary dyskinesia, a medical term for the gallbladder not functioning properly.
At the beginning of the surgery, the surgeon will insert tubular devices called “trocars” into small incision points on the abdomen, also known as “ports.” Carbon dioxide gas will be pumped into the abdomen to grant the surgeon space to work. One of the ports will have a laparoscope inserted to see inside the body. Through the other ports, special tools will then cut and remove the gallbladder. After the excess carbon dioxide is removed, the ports will then be sealed off with sutures and skin tape.
