When an individual has gallstones, they suffer from obstruction, pain, and inflammation in their gallbladder. Once your healthcare provider has conducted a diagnosis to confirm you have gallstones, they will suggest a suitable treatment to improve your condition. However, in some instances, gallbladder disease occurs, which requires surgical treatment.
Although there are different kinds of procedures, gallbladder removal in a process involving robots is gaining popularity. So, before you become confused, we will explain what to expect when you have robotic gallbladder surgery in this blog.
Types of Gallbladder Surgery
When it comes to gallbladder removal, there are different types of procedures that are usually performed. Here are the common types of gallbladder surgery:
- Open surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Da Vinci laparoscopic surgery
Preparation for Robotic Gallbladder Surgery
If you are chosen as a suitable candidate for gallbladder surgery, you will need to prepare for the procedure. Here are the requirements for a robotic gallbladder surgery:
- Blood work, medical evaluation, chest x-ray, and an EKG, depending on your medical history and age, will be required before the surgery.
- Once your surgeon has briefed you on the potential risks and advantages of the procedure, you will have to submit written consent for the robotic surgery.
- Before the procedure, your surgeon might ask you to cleanse your intestines as well as empty your colon. Hence, you may be requested to stick with a clear liquid-only diet at least one day before your treatment.
- You may be asked to shower the night before or the morning of your operation.
- The night before the operation, only consume the prescribed medications once the clock hits 12.
- Your surgeon might recommend not taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications, Vitamin E, and more for a short period before the procedure.
- Refrain from smoking.
What Does Robotic Gallbladder Surgery Involve
With skilled surgeons and the latest technology, a robotic gallbladder surgery might take less than an hour. If this is the case, then the patient will only need to stay in the hospital for around two hours. In comparison, traditional laparoscopic gallbladder surgery will take two hours, not including the additional hospitalization time.
When the surgery begins, the surgeon will make either a single incision or three to four minor incisions, depending on the type of procedure you are undergoing. Then, a thin tube with robotic arms, a camera, and surgical tools enters the affected area through one of the incisions.
Robotic gallbladder surgery might involve robotic arms, but it is being performed by an experienced surgeon. They control the robotic arms and guide them throughout the surgery every step of the way. Hence, the robotic arms make delicate moments with dexterity far greater than human hands can achieve. In addition, the precision is unmatched since the surgeon has access to a 3D high-definition and close-up view of the surgical site. Then, through the cut made on the abdomen or the belly button, the surgeon will finally remove the gallbladder. And, like that, your robotic gallbladder surgery will be over before you know it.
What’s Next?
In conclusion, robotic gallbladder surgery is performed in under an hour, given that the hospital has an expert team and state-of-the-art technology. At Nova Bariatrics, we only use the best tools to help you get back on the road to recovery. We are only a few digits away at (469) 639-0953.