Gallbladder polyps with bile sludge balls treatment

A gallbladder polyps can be described as a growth, which protrudes from the lining that is inside the gallbladder. Bile sludge balls refer to the debris that is formed by the bile and the echogenic material in the gallbladder. Although gallbladder polyps are rare, they can be quite a cause for concern, as they could be cancerous.

In order to determine if a polyps is cancerous, its size needs to be taken into consideration. If the size of the gallbladder polyps is less than one centimeter, then they are probably non cancerous and do not need to be treated. However, even though the polyp may be small in size, doctors may recommend follow up tests for a couple of months just to check for any changes.

Tests such as an endoscopic ultrasound as well as a standard abdominal ultrasound can be conducted regularly, to look for changes indicative of cancer. If the size of the gallbladder polyp exceeds one centimeter, then there is a very strong possibility that there could be cancerous and will require treatment. The most commonly adopted treatment option for gallbladder polyps is the removal of the gallbladder, through a surgical procedure. This medical procedure is known as a cholecystectomy. Most doctors recommend the cholecystectomy as a treatment for gallbladder polyps with bile sludge balls or even gallstones. A cholecystectomy is performed by a team of experts, in an operating room, after the patient is given general anesthesia.

With the advancements in medical technology, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become much more common. This includes several surgical innovations, like a voice-controlled robotic arm-like extension, which is controlled by the surgeon. During the single-port access laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a small incision is made just below the navel and a thin flexible laparoscope, which has a tiny camera attached to it, is inserted. With the help of the camera, the surgeon can clearly view the gallbladder as well as the surrounding organs. During the procedure, carbon dioxide may be used for inflating the abdominal cavity, so that the surgeon can get a better view of the area. However, this technique is not used in case the patient is elderly or suffers from preexisting medical conditions that can lead to complications from gas. Other smaller laparoscopic incisions are usually made in the abdominal area, so that surgical instruments can be inserted. The cystic duct and the artery to the gallbladder are then tied and cut off, before the gallbladder is removed. Sutures are then used to close the incisions.