Cholecystectomy (Indications)
Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, a small organ located under the liver that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This operation is commonly performed to treat gallstones and the complications they cause, such as inflammation, infection, or blockages of the bile ducts.
Indications for Cholecystectomy:
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Hardened deposits of digestive fluid that can block the bile ducts, causing pain, infection, or other complications.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones obstructing the cystic duct.
- Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones that move into the common bile duct, potentially causing bile flow obstruction.
- Biliary Dyskinesia: A motility disorder where the gallbladder does not function properly, causing pain without the presence of stones.
- Gallbladder Polyps: Growths in the gallbladder that may become cancerous or cause symptoms.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can result from gallstones obstructing the pancreatic duct.