I have to have my gall bladder removed on 01/03/2007. This will be my first major surgery (only 28). The plan is to do it laparoscopicly. Any words of advice from the Drs in the crowd (or anyone else)?

smounic - I'm not a doctor, but my girlfriend had it done last year at Stanford - the actual operation began at 9am, lasted 1/2 an hour, she was home recuperating by 1pm... was back at work 1/2 time in a week, and was completely 100% in about three weeks. Nothing to worry about.

You're a lot younger - so if anything, you should recover more quickly.

brad

No advice, but I hope the doctor removes your "gall bladder."

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formerly rhersberger

You should do fine. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common procedures done in this country. In the hands of an experienced surgeon it should take 30 minutes to an hour.

When you go home, you'll have 3 small incisions, each about 1 to 2 cm long, in your abdomen, and you WILL be sore - you'll feel like you've been punched in the gut after doing 300 situps. However, just take oral pain meds and you should be OK in a few days.

The alternative, open cholecystectomy, involves a much larger incision (about 6-8 inches) underneath the right rib cage and is exponentially more painful, with a longer recovery time. If the surgeon has difficulty removing your gallbladder laparoscopically, you'll end up getting an open procedure.

Given your young age and I'm assuming relatively good health status, the chances of anything bad happening (like dying) in surgery is less than 1 in 200,000. Just don't run any marathons or have rough sex for a few weeks.

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You should confirm that your surgeon is experienced in the technique with a surgical team equally experienced. Agree with Interpol. If you are uncertain about the need for the surgery get a second opinion. I always offer a second opinion to my patients.

I had it done a couple of years ago. It is as described. The worry was worse than the actual procedure. Just wear easy to take on and off pants to the hospital. Light elastic is good. Suspenders is probably better. You don't want a belt. Your stomach will be bloated afterwards as they pump air in to make it easier for them to move the equipment around in there.

Make sure someone is there to drive you home. You don't want to drive after the anesthesia.

As for pain, it hurt more pulling the bandage off than any post operative pain.

Bottom line, with a good surgeon and a good hospital, piece of cake.

PM me if you want more info.

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Robert

Reminds me of the old joke

"Doctor, I'd like a second opinion."

"OK, you're ugly too."

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Robert

From what I read here, it has to be easier on a guy than a vasectomy

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LL

Good luck with the surgery. rrosen said "piece of cake". Alternatively, I'd recommend some fried crawfish as soon as possible, afterwards. Just kiddin'.

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Laissez les bontemps rouler,
Swamp

Doctor Humor:

Doctor: "How you feeling today?"
Patient: "You tell me, you're the doctor."

Doctor: "What brings you to see me today?"
Patient: "The Bus"

Uh Oh.....

This reminds me of the anecdotal risk factors for gall stones, learned back in Med School.....the 5 "F's" -- Fat, Female, Fertile, Fasting and Flatulent....

Sorry...Couldnt help but mention it...

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Don't forget "Forty"!

Right on Big Horn....Its Forty, instead of Fertile....
Darn, beginning to see signs of Pre-senile Dementia...

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I sort of remember Doogie Howser doing this procedure. If a teenager could do it then you should be OK.