Timely Vs. Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Know The Benefits
Gallstones are solid particles that are formed in the gallbladder due to overproduction of cholesterol and bilirubin in the liver. In the past, gallstones were treated using open surgical procedures, which meant more extended hospitalization and recovery time for the patients. However, laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of Gallstones. With only a few minor incisions; single or multiple gallstones can now be removed within a few hours.
Gallstones Symptoms
Gallstones do not have any active symptoms, and initially, an individual may feel little or no discomfort. But if left untreated for long, gallstones can cause multiple complications including cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), jaundice, intense periodic pain in the abdomen, etc. Acute abdominal pain, high fever, yellowing of the skin, and eyes are seen as early signs of gallstones and must not be ignored.
Timely Vs. Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy has become the most preferred treatment for symptomatic gallstones. It is cost-effective, safe, and promises a better life for patients post-treatment. A surgeon will suggest ELC (early laparoscopic cholecystectomy) only upon confirmation that the inflammation does not obscure optimal view during surgery.
The first few days after gallstone diagnosis are usually considered as the best time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the time points for treating acute cholecystitis vary with inflammation. Even upon diagnosis, the treatment may be delayed to allow the inflammation or cholecystitis to subside. But this delay can cause a series of complications related to the liver and gallbladder. Let’s look at some of the key advantages that early LC offers over delayed LC.
1. Minimum Complications:
Early LC ensures that gallstones do not cause other major complications in the liver. In the worst of cases, gallstones become the reason for cancer of the gallbladder in patients. Early LC has helped significantly bring down mortality rates from acute cholecystitis or acute pancreatitis.
2. No GallBladder Attack:
With early LC, patients no longer need to suffer from prolonged excruciating abdominal pain. If LC is delayed, patients will have to bear with periodic intense pain, eventually leading to fever. A gallbladder attack can last for a few hours and can come anytime, anywhere.
3. Cost-Effective:
Early LC is cost-effective too. Gallstones can be removed within a few hours, and the patients can leave the hospital on the same day. In comparison to this, a delayed LC involves considerable visits, routine diagnosis, more extended hospitalization, and recovery time. In sharp contrast, early LC is not at all time consuming and extremely cost-effective.
When To See A Doctor?
Gallstone attack can last up to a few hours, and one must see a doctor at the first occurrence of uninvited and intense stomach/abdominal pain. Any pain in the right shoulder, upper, and central abdomen must not be ignored considering the multiple health issues associated with gallstones. The doctor will perform some routine diagnosis, including CT scan and blood tests to confirm gallstones.
Moreover, pregnant women, people suffering from obesity, people on cholesterol-lowering medications, and people over 60 years of age are at higher risk of gallstones. These individuals must be wary of symptoms like sudden fever, increased heart rate, nausea, fatigue, or confusion, and must visit the doctor for gallstone diagnosis.
The abdominal is one of the most critical regions in our body. It houses some of the most important organs that determine the overall well-being of our body. At Medipulse, we offer the most advanced Laparoscopic surgery for Gallbladders, appendices, and colons. Dr. Vivek Agarwal is the best Laparoscopic surgeon in Jodhpur. His expertise has helped hundreds of people in town.