This information is especially for patients who will undergo surgery.
Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
What to expect and how to prepare for your Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy:
Special instruments are used to remove the gallbladder through
small incisions placed in the abdomen. You can prepare best for
your operation by reading the Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Surgery
pamphlet given to you by your nurse. This pamphlet outlines what
to expect and how to prepare for your operation and plan for your
recovery.
How To Prepare For Your Operation
Before Your Operation
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Remember: |
Things to Remember
- Read the pamphlet and ask any questions that you have.
- Do NOT take aspirin, Motrin, Advil or similar products for one week prior to your operation (see attached sheet).
- Have an adult drive you home from the hospital and stay with you the first night.
- You cannot drive yourself or take a taxi home from the hospital.
24 Hours Before Your Operation
Things to Do
- Shower: Using the antibacterial soap your nurse gave you to clean your body. Do NOT use the antibacterial soap on your face and hair. (See directions attached to the soap bottle.) Use your own soap and shampoo on your face and hair. Use clean towels to dry off, and put on clean clothing.
- Arrival time: The pre-surgery
nurse will call you by 5:00 p.m. the night before your operation.
If you are having surgery on Monday, the nurse will call you on
Friday. If you do not hear from the nurse by 5:00p.m., please
call (206) 598-6334.
The pre-surgery nurse will tell you when to come to the hospital. They will also remind you to:
- not eat or drink after a certain time
- have someone drive you home
- whether you should take or not take your regular medications. Medications that you should take the day of surgery are: high blood pressure, thyroid and seizure medications. Use only enough water to swallow your pills.
- not eat or drink after a certain time
What To Expect After Your Operation
Precautions and Self-Care to Speed Your Recovery
Medicine given during and after your operation will affect you. For 24 hours after your surgery, do not:
- drive or travel alone
- drink alcoholic beverages
- sign any legal papers
- care for another person
Incisions
You will have several incisions covered by plastic bandages. You
can remove the plastic bandages and shower 48 hours after your operation.
Under the bandage your incisions will be covered by white tapes
called steri-strips. These tapes will fall off by themselves in
several days. Inspect your incisions daily for signs of infection
such as redness, increased pain, swelling, foul-smelling drainage
or increase in the amount of drainage from your wound.
Pain Management & Medications
Take your medicines as ordered. Start taking your regular medications
as ordered except for aspirin, or aspirin products. Do not take
aspirin or aspirin products until two days after your operation.
Questions?Contact Surgical Specialties Nurse
Advice Line: |
Going Home
You will be going home the night after your operation or the next
morning. You will need a ride home.
Return To Work
Return to work when you are comfortable. Most people can go back
to work within one week.
Call The Nurse Advice Line or Your Doctor If:
- You have bleeding that soaks your dressing.
- Your temperature is greater than 100ºF or 38ºC, or you have chills.
- You have any sign of infection: redness, increased pain, swelling, foul-smelling drainage or increase in the amount of drainage from your wound.
- You are sick to your stomach and throwing up.
- Your skin or eyes become yellow, or jaundiced.
- You have concerns that cannot wait until your follow-up visit.