What is Gallbladder Surgery?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder using techniques. It is the gold-standard treatment for symptomatic gallstones and is performed as a day-case procedure in most patients across Essex.
Mr Jayanthi also offers a specialist one-stop service for patients presenting with jaundice or pancreatitis caused by gallstones combining diagnosis and surgical management in a single admission.
The Procedure
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia through 4 small incisions (less than 1cm each). A tiny camera and instruments are inserted through these cuts to carefully dissect and remove the gallbladder. The procedure typically takes 45–60 minutes.
Mr Jayanthi completed his advanced laparoscopic training as Senior Laparoscopic Fellow at the ICENI Centre, Colchester, one of the UK’s most respected centres for surgery.
What to Expect
Before surgery you will have a pre-assessment appointment where blood tests, scans, and an ECG may be performed. You should not eat or drink for 6 hours before the operation. Most patients are discharged on the same day.
You can expect to return to light activities within 1–2 weeks and normal daily life within 2–3 weeks. Driving is usually possible after 1–2 weeks once comfortable.
Risks & Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Specific risks include:
- Bile leak or bile duct injury
- Bleeding or infection
- Hernia at a port site
- In rare cases, conversion to open surgery
Mr Jayanthi will discuss all risks with you in full during your consultation and tailor his approach to minimise them.