Surgical Approach for Patients with Gallstones

Surgery is one of the effective methods for treating gallstones, especially for patients with existing symptoms or large stones. Cholecystectomy is the most common type of surgery, which usually includes laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open cholecystectomy, and the more mature single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These surgical methods have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most widely used method because it is minimally invasive, which helps reduce postoperative pain and recovery time. During the operation, a camera and instruments are inserted through several small incisions to safely remove the gallbladder. It is suitable for most patients with gallstones, but not for those with severe inflammation or a history of multiple upper abdominal surgeries. Open cholecystectomy is used in some complex cases, such as acute cholecystitis or gallbladder perforation, and the operation is completed through a larger abdominal incision. Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an innovative technique that is completed through only one incision at the navel, resulting in smaller scars and better cosmetic results. However, this method requires high surgical skills, and not all hospitals currently have these conditions.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most widely used method because it is minimally invasive, which helps reduce postoperative pain and recovery time. During the operation, a camera and instruments are inserted through several small incisions to safely remove the gallbladder. It is suitable for most patients with gallstones, but not for those with severe inflammation or a history of multiple upper abdominal surgeries. Open cholecystectomy is used in some complex cases, such as acute cholecystitis or gallbladder perforation, and the operation is completed through a larger abdominal incision. Single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy is an innovative technique that is completed through only one incision at the navel, resulting in smaller scars and better cosmetic results. However, this method requires high surgical skills, and not all hospitals currently have these conditions.

For patients who choose surgery, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation is required, including a detailed medical history and ultrasound examination, to help determine the appropriate type of surgery. At the same time, attention should be paid to conditioning after surgery, avoiding a high-fat diet, and insisting on proper exercise, and gradually transitioning from liquid food to a low-fat diet to better improve digestive function. This can not only help with rapid recovery, but also reduce the probability of postoperative complications. Within a few weeks after surgery, attention should be paid to observe whether there are signs of infection in the surgical site, such as redness, swelling, heat and pain, and follow up with the doctor in a timely manner. In order to ensure the best treatment effect and safety, it is recommended to discuss all possible options and risk factors in detail with a professional doctor before choosing surgery.