The right time for gallbladder surgery depends on the situation of the gall stone. Undergoing any surgery is a big decision. However advanced the technology is, it may be scary and tempting to put off the surgery unless and until some sort of complication occurs. It is beyond doubt that gall stones will never go on their own and are bound to cause complications with time.
Before you decide to postpone or defer the surgery, one must understand the risks and benefits of their decision.
The first thing to consider is how gall bladder stones is affecting your day-to-day activities. Even if the gall bladder is not causing any problems, it is advisable to seek the opinion of a specialist surgeon.
According to Dr. Kapil Agrawal, one of the best gall bladder surgeon in Delhi, the surgeon will look into various factors like your age, size of gall bladder stones, risk of developing complications, presence of any co morbidities like diabetes, hypertension or any history of cardiac illness. After looking into all these parameters, the surgeon will guide you to either go for surgery or you can wait for few years.
Who can wait for Surgery?
A perfect candidate, who can postpone gall stone surgery, should have a single stone of size between 8 and 10mm. Additionally, they is no chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory issues such as asthma and COPD.
Drawbacks to Delaying the Gallbladder Surgery
Patients who have large bladder stones, with dimensions of 2 cm or greater, are at an increased risk for developing gall bladder cancer that is, to date, not curable in the advanced stages. Gall bladder stones that are large typically aren’t painful and can go unnoticed for long periods. They constantly scratch the walls of the gall bladder, which can cause injury and the subsequent growth in gall bladder cancer.
Patients who have gall bladder stones of a small size are likely to experience more complications. Small stones can stop the flow of bile and cause intense discomfort. Sometimes, it could result in the development of pus in the gall bladder. The stones may slip out of the gall bladder and to the common bile drainage. It could cause pancreatitis or jaundice, that can be fatal if not dealt with promptly.
Long-standing diabetes severely impairs the ability to feel pain. It happens because of damage to the nerves due to diabetes. which feels pain. As a result, you won’t feel pain even if the gall bladder becomes infected or ruptures. It can result in delayed diagnosis and increased chances of complications.
No time to optimize your health:
Patients who have diabetes, breathing problems, heart issues such as COPD or asthma, and/or using blood thinners etc., should always consider an early scheduled repair. Suppose gall bladder stones get complex and require an emergency procedure. It could be hazardous since the patient’s condition is not optimal, and the risk of complications after surgery rises dramatically.
Stones may slip into CBD:
Small stones can slip from the gallbladder into the common bile duct. It can lead to blockage to the flow of bile resulting in jaundice. An additional procedure is required in such patients to clear stones in the duct. This procedure not only increases your hospital stay and expenses but also causes discomfort.
Gall stones can increase in size:
As time passes the gall bladder stones’ size may increase. The stones become harder and can be difficult to break during surgery. In the end, port size or the incision is enlarged to remove large, non crushable stones. The larger incision is not just more painful but also looks poor.
Higher Risk of Surgical Failure:
General anaesthesia is required to perform laparoscopic gall stone surgery. It means, the patient is put to sleep by using mechanical ventilation. It is essential for the lung and heart to work properly for this anaesthesia.
If the gall stones become complicated and requires immediate intervention, then the surgery is done under high risk category.
You will eventually require surgery:
Fear isn’t a solution to any issue. You must be able to think in a way that is sensible. If you are going to have an operation at some point in time, it’s best to do it early, in the most favourable conditions. A planned surgery will always lead to better outcomes.
About Dr. Kapil Agrawal
Dr. Kapil Agrawal is one of the most skilled gall bladder surgeons using laparoscopic surgery in Delhi. He is among the best gall stone surgeons with the Apollo Group of Hospitals, New Delhi. One of the few surgeons who offers one port operation to treat gall bladder stones in large majority of patients. With more than 20 years of experience, he guarantees excellent, long-lasting results with affordable and fixed packages, precise post-operative follow-ups, and other services that make up his practice.