Gallbladder stone surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. Gallstones are hard deposits that can form in the gallbladder and can block the flow of bile.

Gallbladder stone surgery is a common procedure, and it is usually safe. However, there are some risks associated with surgery, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to nearby organs.

There are two main types of gallbladder removal surgery:

1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This is the most common type of gallbladder surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed through a few small incisions in the abdomen. 

During laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, the surgeon will insert a thin camera and surgical instruments through the small incisions in your abdomen. The surgeon will then use the camera to guide the instruments to remove your gallbladder.

2. Open Cholecystectomy

This type of surgery is less common and is usually only performed if there are complications with laparoscopic cholecystectomy or if the patient has other medical conditions that make laparoscopic surgery unsafe.

Open cholecystectomy is a more traditional, open surgery where a single larger incision, usually 5 to 8 inches long, is made in the upper abdomen, below the ribcage. Through this incision, the surgeon directly removes the gallbladder.

The procedure for gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, will depend on the type of surgery you are having.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Procedure

This is the most common type of gallbladder surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed through a few small incisions in the abdomen.

Here is a general overview of the steps involved in laparoscopic cholecystectomy:

1. You will be given general anesthesia so that you are asleep during the surgery.

2. The surgeon will make a small incision near your belly button and insert a trocar, a thin tube with a camera on the end.

3. The surgeon will then fill your abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create space to work.

4. The surgeon will insert two more trocars through other small incisions in your abdomen.

5. The surgeon will use the camera to guide the surgical instruments to remove your gallbladder.

6. Once the gallbladder has been removed, the surgeon will remove the trocars and close the incisions with sutures or staples.

Open cholecystectomy Procedure

This type of surgery is less common and is usually only performed if there are complications with laparoscopic cholecystectomy or if the patient has other medical conditions that make laparoscopic surgery unsafe.

Here is a general overview of the steps involved in open cholecystectomy:

1. You will be given general anesthesia so that you are asleep during the surgery.

2. The surgeon will make a larger incision in your abdomen, usually on the right side.

3. The surgeon will then locate and remove your gallbladder.

4. The surgeon will then close the incision with sutures or staples.

Recovery time after laparoscopic gallbladder stone surgery can vary from person to person, but the following is a general outline of what you can expect week by week:

Week 1:

• In the immediate days following surgery, you may experience some discomfort, but this is usually manageable with pain medication prescribed by your doctor.

• It's common to feel some shoulder pain or discomfort due to the gas used during the surgery, which can irritate the diaphragm.

• You may have dietary restrictions during the first week, typically starting with clear liquids and then progressing to a low-fat diet as tolerated.

• Most people can return to light activities and work within a few days to a week, but you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise during this time.

Week 2:

• Many patients start to feel significantly better during the second week.

• You can gradually increase your physical activity and may be able to return to normal activities depending on your individual recovery.

• Continue following a low-fat diet as recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Some people may still experience mild discomfort or fatigue during this week.

Week 3-4:

• By the end of the third and beginning of the fourth week, you should be feeling close to your normal self.

• Most dietary restrictions are lifted, and you can start reintroducing regular foods into your diet.

• You can resume regular physical activities and exercise but should listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.

Week 5 and beyond:

• You should be fully recovered by this point and able to return to your normal diet and activities without restrictions.

• The small incisions from the surgery should be well-healed, and any residual discomfort or pain should be minimal or nonexistent.

It's important to note that recovery can vary depending on factors such as the individual's overall health, the extent of gallbladder disease, and how well they follow post-operative instructions. It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's guidance on pain management, diet, and activity restrictions during the recovery period.

Benefits of gallbladder stone surgery

• Improved digestion

• Relief from Symptoms

• Reduced risk of gallstones returning

• Improved quality of life

• A shorter hospital stay

• A faster recovery time

• Less pain and discomfort

• Prevention of Complications

• Low Recurrence Rate

• Prevention of Gallbladder Cancer

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Damage to nearby organs, such as the bile duct, liver, and small intestine

• Bile leak

• Anesthesia complications

• Blood clots

• Pneumonia

• Digestive Changes

• Postcholecystectomy Syndrome

Gallbladder Surgery Cost in Delhi

The cost of gallbladder stone removal surgery in Delhi can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surgery, the hospital, the surgeon's experience, and the patient's health insurance coverage. However, in general, the cost of gallbladder stone removal surgery in Delhi ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹55,000.