Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, commonly referred as a lap chole, involves the removal of the gallbladder through a laparoscopic approach. The gallbladder normally stores bile produced in the liver until it is needed for digestion. Unfortunately, the gallbladder often forms gallstones.
Symptoms
Gallstones are a common problem, which do not cause symptoms and require no surgery. If, however, these stones attempt to pass out of the gallbladder and block the gallbladder outlet, severe upper abdominal pain can develop. This is known as colic.
Common symptoms may include:
- Upper abdominal pain, occurring after meals rich in fat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain between the shoulder blades, and beneath the right shoulder
- Chills and fever
Symptoms usually last for short periods of time and often occur after fatty meals which stimulate the gallbladder to contract.
Causes
The formation of gallstones seems to be related to many factors, like:
- Body weight — over-weight people have a higher incidence of gallstones
- Diet — a diet high in fat and cholesterol, and low in fiber.
- Gallbladder motility — if the gall bladder is slow to drain.