Cholecystectomy: Price of cholecystitis treatment in Turkey

What is cholecystitis?

Cholecystitis occurs when the cystic duct is blocked by a gallstone, causing painful inflammation. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as severe infection or perforation.

Risk factors and main causes of cholecystitis

The most common cause of cholecystitis is the presence of gallstones, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. Other potential causes include:

• Bacterial or viral infections
• Certain biliary or digestive tumors
• Congenital abnormalities of the bile ducts
• Abdominal trauma

The risk of developing cholecystitis is higher in certain groups, including people over 40, women, individuals with obesity, and those who consume a high-fat diet.

Symptoms of cholecystitis

Typical signs of cholecystitis include:

• Severe pain in the right upper abdomen (under the ribs)
• Pain radiating to the shoulder or back
• Fever, nausea, and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice in cases of severe bile duct obstruction

Diagnosis usually involves evaluating the patient's symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and performing imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult one of our gastrointestinal surgeons in Istanbul to determine whether a cholecystectomy is necessary.

Are there alternatives to surgery?

Surgery isn't always the first option on the table. For mild cases or patients without complications, a doctor may consider a more conservative approach before recommending an operation.

Non-surgical approaches

Depending on the situation, a few options may be considered:

• Active monitoring: If gallstones aren't causing any symptoms ("silent" stones),regular check-ups may be enough, with no immediate need for surgery.
• Dissolution medication: Ursodeoxycholic acid can help dissolve small cholesterol stones in certain cases. It's a slow process, often taking months or even years, and it doesn't work for every type of stone.
• Diet and lifestyle changes: Cutting back on fatty foods, eating more fiber, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce flare-ups and slow down new stone formation.
• Pain and antibiotic treatment: For mild, uncomplicated flare-ups, medication like painkillers, antispasmodics, or antibiotics can bring relief.
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: This technique breaks up stones using shock waves. It's rarely used today because stones tend to come back, but it's occasionally mentioned as an option.

Why surgery is still usually recommended

These options don't work for everyone, and they don't fix the root of the problem; stones tend to reform as long as the gallbladder is still there. If you've been diagnosed with cholecystitis, keep having painful flare-ups, or are at risk of complications like infection or a perforated gallbladder, surgery remains the go-to treatment recommended by gastroenterologists and surgeons.

Only your doctor can tell you, based on your health and how severe your symptoms are, whether a conservative approach makes sense or if surgery is the better path.

Cholecystectomy: Treatment of cholecystitis in Turkey

Treatment of cholecystitis in Turkey involves removal of the gallbladder, a procedure known as cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy can be performed by open or laparoscopic surgery.

Coelioscopic cholecystectomy

A coelioscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive technique performed under general anesthesia.

The surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a camera and miniaturized instruments to remove the gallbladder.

Laparotomy cholecystectomy

Laparotomy cholecystectomy is a more invasive technique performed through a larger incision in the abdomen. It is usually reserved for more complex cases.

Getting ready for gallbladder removal surgery

A little preparation goes a long way toward a smoother operation and faster recovery. Here's what to expect.

Pre-op tests

Before surgery, your doctor will usually order a full workup, which may include:

• Blood tests (complete blood count, liver function, clotting).
• An EKG, especially for patients over 40 or with a history of heart issues.
• An abdominal ultrasound or additional imaging (CT or MRI) to confirm the diagnosis and pinpoint the stones.
• A consultation with the anesthesiologist is required before any procedure under general anesthesia.

Fasting guidelines

Following the fasting instructions closely is essential before the procedure:

• You'll typically need to stop eating and drinking from midnight the night before surgery, unless your anesthesiologist says otherwise.
• Small amounts of water may be allowed up until a few hours before the procedure, depending on your care team's instructions.
• Sticking closely to these guidelines matters; it lowers the risks tied to general anesthesia.

Medications to flag or avoid

A few precautions are needed ahead of surgery:

• Blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin need to be flagged to your surgeon, since they often have to be paused before surgery.
• Certain anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usually need to be stopped a few days ahead of time.
• Let your doctor know about everything you're taking, including supplements and herbal remedies, which can sometimes interact with anesthesia.
• Try to avoid smoking and alcohol in the days leading up to surgery, as both can slow healing and raise anesthesia-related risks.

A few more things to keep in mind

Before the procedure, it's a good idea to:

• Mention any known allergies (medications, latex, contrast dye).
• You may be asked to shower with an antiseptic soap the night before or morning of surgery.
• Plan for your ride home; driving isn't recommended right after anesthesia, so arrange for someone to accompany you.

At Turquie Santé, our team supports you well before you travel: a remote consultation with your surgeon, a full list of required tests, and coordination with the clinic so your pre-op workup is ready to go the moment you land in Istanbul.

How does gallbladder removal surgery work?

The procedure follows a standard process, usually broken down into 6 steps:

1. General anesthesia: You're put to sleep by the anesthesiologist, who monitors your vitals throughout the surgery.
2. Prepping the surgical area: The skin is disinfected, and you're positioned based on the technique being used.
3. Making the surgical openings: For laparoscopic surgery, 3 to 4 small incisions are made to insert the camera and instruments; for open surgery, a single larger incision is used.
4. Inflating and exploring: The surgeon inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide to create working space, then locates the gallbladder and nearby bile ducts.
5. Removing the gallbladder: The gallbladder is carefully separated from the liver and removed, stones and all, through one of the incisions.
6. Closing up: The incisions are closed with stitches or staples and covered with sterile dressings.

The whole procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes, as mentioned earlier.

Convalescence and post-operative recovery

The average hospital stay after cholecystectomy is short, often limited to a day or two.

After cholecystectomy, most patients experience abdominal pain, tiredness, and nausea. These symptoms usually go away within a few days. 

To promote a good recovery after a cholecystectomy, it is important to:

• Rest and follow your doctor's advice and instructions carefully. 
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few weeks.
• Start eating light, easily digestible foods and gradually return to your usual diet.
• Take any medicines prescribed by your doctor, which often include pain relievers and antibiotics.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Signs of infection, include fever, redness, swelling, or oozing from the incisions.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Persistent nausea or vomiting.

Return to normal life after cholecystectomy

Cholecystectomy usually does not require any major changes in your daily routine. You can return to a balanced diet and your usual activities without restriction. 

However, if you experience any pain or discomfort, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. He or she will be able to guide you in the best way possible.