How many hours does minimally invasive surgery for gallstones take?

Minimally invasive surgery for gallstones generally takes 1 to 2 hours to complete, but the specific time may vary depending on the complexity of the patient's condition, the surgical method, the doctor's experience, etc. Compared with traditional open surgery, minimally invasive surgery is less traumatic and has a faster recovery, so it has become the preferred choice for many gallstone patients.

Gallstones are stones formed by the deposition of cholesterol or bile salts in bile, which may cause abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion and other symptoms. Minimally invasive surgery is often used to treat patients with recurrent gallstones or acute cholecystitis caused by gallstones. The most common minimally invasive method is laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which directly removes the gallbladder by inserting a camera and instruments through several small incisions in the abdomen, avoiding the postoperative pain and long recovery time caused by large incisions.

The length of the operation is related to many factors. For example, if the patient's gallbladder inflammation is severe, the number of stones is large or large, the operation may be more complicated. Previous abdominal surgery history or other underlying diseases in the patient may also increase the operation time. Despite this, most minimally invasive cholecystectomy surgeries can be completed within 1 to 2 hours, and the operation itself is relatively safe.

Postoperative recovery is also worth paying attention to. Although minimally invasive surgery is less traumatic, patients still need to pay attention to eating a light diet, avoiding greasy food, and strictly follow the doctor's postoperative instructions to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. If you experience persistent abdominal pain, fever or other discomfort after surgery, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible to ensure a smooth recovery.