What are Gallstones?
Gallstones form most usually in the gallbladder, a small pear shaped organ attached to the under-surface of the liver. If the gallbladder is affected then it should be removed. In some cases small stones can pass out of the gallbladder into the main bile duct. This can cause jaundice, a dangerous condition that is first recognised by the development of a yellow discolouration of the sclera (the white of our eyes) and the passage of dark urine. More rarely, gallstones can form inside the bile ducts, small tubes that carry bile from the liver into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. This usually only occurs if there is an abnormality of the bile ducts themselves and this can only be dealt with by specialists like Professor Lodge.
How risky are gallstones?
Unfortunately, gallstones can cause a number of problems. Most commonly, pain occurs as the gallbladder tries to carry out its function of squeezing bile into the bile ducts when we eat. This is known as biliary colic, a severe pain starting usually in right side of the abdomen, but often also affecting the back and shoulder. This can lead on to cholecystitis, where a dangerous infection starts to destroy the gallbladder. More rarely, this can cause jaundice or lead on to the development of a gallbladder cancer.
What does the gallbladder do and can I live without it?
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile as part of normal digestion. This is not an essential process and in many ways the gallbladder is like the appendix as it is not necessary for day to day life. The gallbladder is attached to the under-surface of the liver and if it causing trouble, pain most usually starts just below the ribs on the right hand side.
What are the advantages of going to a gallstone specialist?
Although many general surgeons routinely do gallbladder surgery, some are more expert than others, just like in any other job. A surgeon who specialises in gallbladder surgery will usually have a lower rate of having to convert to an open operation and an overall lower rate of complications.
“I felt a little uncomfortable for a couple of days following the operation but within a week, I felt much better. In fact, my life post-operation has been amazing! Professor Lodge was fantastic – I had complete confidence in him and he made me feel at ease. I would certainly recommend him to others!”
How is the sugery done?
The most common operation is called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This involves putting 3 or 4 small telescopes (called ports) into the tummy to allow special instruments to enter the abdomen to do the surgery. The operation involves isolating, sealing and dividing the junction between the gallbladder and the main bile duct and also a small artery that supplies the gallbladder with blood. The next stage is to free up the gallbladder from the under-surface of the liver and take it out of the abdomen using a small bag that is pulled through the tummy button. Very occasionally, the laparoscopic (keyhole) approach is not possible and an open operation may be needed, using a larger abdominal incision, but this was thankfully rare in Professor Peter Lodge’s practice. The operation usually takes 15 to 40 minutes, although some cases are complicated and may take more time.
How long does it take to recover?
Following successful laparoscopic surgery, most people are fully recovered within 7 to 10 days of the operation. Laparoscopic surgery doesn’t look much on the outside, but you have to remember it’s still a big operation inside so you may experience some aches and pains over the next couple of weeks while everything is healing up.
What are the Risks?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is commonly performed and generally safe. For most people, the benefits in terms of improved symptoms are much greater than the disadvantages. However, all surgery carries an element of risk. Specific complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are uncommon but can include accidental damage to other organs in the abdomen (such as the bile duct, bowel, bladder, liver or blood vessels) requiring further surgery to repair the damage. Professor Lodge was a specialist for dealing with complications related to gallbladder surgery, often helping out colleagues in difficult cases.