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Surgery can be a daunting experience, so we’ve compiled some answers to our Frequently Asked Questions to try and provide as much information for you as we can.
If you’d like to talk about your specific situation, feel free to book an appointment with our team.
FAQs
Your gallbladder stores bile, a fluid produced by your liver, and releases it into your small intestine when you eat. Bile helps break down fats in the food you consume, aiding in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
No, you do not need your gallbladder to live a healthy life. The gallbladder stores and releases bile to aid in digestion, but its removal (cholecystectomy) is a common procedure when gallstones or other issues arise. After gallbladder removal, your body adapts quickly, and you can still digest food normally.
Yes, you can eat normally without a gallbladder, and your body can still digest and process food effectively. The gallbladder plays a role in storing and releasing bile, which helps in digesting fats. While you can still consume fats, it’s generally recommended to consume them in moderation for the first 2 weeks after surgery while your body is adapting to changes in bile flow.
An intra-operative x-ray or cholangiogram (IOC) is a medical imaging procedure that involves the use of contrast dye and X-rays to visualize the bile ducts and gallbladder. It is performed during gallbladder surgery to assess the anatomy of the bile ducts and to check for any potential blockages or stones that may have escaped the gallbladder into the main bile duct. This is a useful test to make sure no stones are left behind.
Typically, you can resume driving once you are no longer taking prescription pain medications and feel physically comfortable operating a vehicle. This is usually after 5-7 days. However, it’s important to check with your insurance and ensure you are alert and capable of driving safely.
Most people go home after one night in the hospital; some go home on the same day as surgery. Recovery time can vary from person to person, but many individuals can return to light activities within a few days. You should wait 4-6 weeks before resuming more strenuous activities.
Gallstones can develop due to various factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle. They form when substances in your bile, like cholesterol or bilirubin, become imbalanced and crystallize, leading to stone formation in the gallbladder.
Risks associated with gallbladder surgery, like any surgical procedure, include infection, bleeding, injury to nearby organs, and, rarely, changes in bowel habits or digestive function. Overall, it is a very common and safe operation.
Hernias occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot or opening in the surrounding muscles or connective tissue. Several factors can contribute to hernia development, such as genetics, heavy lifting, obesity, or persistent coughing.
Most patients go home either on the same day or after one night in the hospital. The recovery time after hernia surgery varies depending on the type of hernia and the surgical approach. In many cases, individuals can return to light activities within a few days to a week, with a gradual return to regular activities over several weeks.
Hernia mesh is considered safe and effective. The use of mesh to repair hernias of the groin or the abdominal wall is well established internationally and is considered the procedure of choice. However, in some gynecology surgeries, such as transvaginal mesh prolapse repair, mesh has been associated with an increased risk of infection, erosion, and chronic pain. This is a very different application from its use in hernia surgery. It’s essential to discuss any concerns you have about hernia mesh with us so we can help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.
Risks of hernia surgery include infection, bleeding, recurrence of the hernia, and pain. We will provide detailed information about these risks during your consultation.
Minimally invasive or laparoscopic hernia surgery offers benefits like smaller incisions, reduced pain, and quicker recovery for many patients. However, whether it’s the best option for you depends on your hernia type and other factors.
During a gastroscopy, you will typically receive sedation, which makes you drowsy and relaxed but not fully asleep. This ensures your comfort during the procedure. If you are very anxious about your procedure, we can arrange deeper sedation with an anesthetist.
A gastroscopy typically takes around 10-15 minutes to complete, although the duration may vary depending on individual factors and findings during the examination.
Gastroscopy is considered safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are minimal risks. These can include bleeding, infection, or injury to the digestive tract. We will discuss these potential risks with you before the procedure.