Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States and elsewhere around the world today. It is used to treat several diseases, but especially those caused by the gallbladder, including gallstones, gallbladder cancer, and acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation). If you’re thinking about undergoing gallbladder surgery in Namibia, here are some things you should know about it before going under the knife.
What is gallbladder surgery?
Gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gall bladder is a small organ that sits just beneath the liver and stores bile produced by the liver. Gallstones can form inside of the gall bladder, which leads to inflammation and pain. Gallstones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as an egg and they can be made up of cholesterol, pigment stones, and bilirubin stones.
Why do people have gallbladder surgery?
The gall bladder is a small organ that helps store bile, which is produced by the liver. It helps break down fat and digest proteins. Gallstones are solid masses made of cholesterol or bilirubin that form within the gall bladder. If they become too large, they can block the opening of the gall bladder and prevent it from emptying completely. This often leads to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice and weight loss.
How much does gallbladder surgery cost in Namibia?
Gallbladder surgery in Namibia can be performed as a day care operation and the average cost of gall bladder removal is around $6,000. The costs are even lower if the procedure is done laparoscopically. The type of procedure that is needed will depend on how long it has been since your last gallbladder attack. If there have been no attacks for over two years, then the only thing that may be needed is a simple removal of your gall bladder.
How long does it take to recover from gallbladder surgery?
The recovery process for gallbladder surgery varies. It depends on the type of surgery, your general health, and the amount of time that passes before you have a normal diet again. The recovery period can be anywhere from three weeks to six months.