Gallbladder Surgery in Cape Town

What Are Gallstones?

The gallbladder stores bile, a fluid made by the liver that helps the body digest fat. Gallstones form in the gallbladder. Many people with gallstones have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they include:

• pain in the upper right abdomen, which may spread to the back or right shoulder
• nausea
• fever
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

When Is Surgery Advised?

Removal of the gallbladder is recommended when gallstones cause symptoms. Gallstones can also lead to inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), a stone in the bile duct causing jaundice, or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Depending on the situation, surgery may be urgent or planned.

Where gallstones are found on a scan but cause no symptoms, watchful waiting is advised. Dr. Loots will discuss whether surgery is appropriate in your case.

Seek urgent medical attention if abdominal pain is accompanied by fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes.

If you have symptoms that may be due to gallstones, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Loots. Appointments can be booked online or made by calling the practice on 021 224 0077.

The Operation

Gallbladder removal is performed under general anaesthetic at Mediclinic Cape Town. Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is the most common technique: the gallbladder is removed through several small incisions in the abdomen, using a camera. Occasionally the operation cannot be completed this way and is converted to open surgery through a larger incision. Dr. Loots will explain her recommendation before surgery.

Preparation

• Provide a complete list of medication, including supplements. Blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and warfarin, usually needs to be stopped before surgery, as advised.
• Follow the fasting instructions provided by the practice.
• Avoid alcohol and stop any recreational drugs.
• Follow the skin preparation guide: Pre-operative Skin Preparation (PDF).
• The practice will assist with medical aid pre-authorisation.

General guidance on preparing for an operation is on the Patient Information page.

Afterwards

• Recovery differs between patients. Dr. Loots will advise you on discharge, pain relief, diet, return to work and driving.
• A follow-up appointment with Dr. Loots is arranged after surgery.

Contact the practice if you develop fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, spreading redness, wound discharge or increasing pain.

Medical Aid, Referral and Private Patients

Gallbladder removal for symptomatic gallstones is covered by most medical schemes, subject to pre-authorisation; the practice will assist with this. A GP referral is welcome but not required.

Patients without South African medical aid, including visitors to Cape Town, are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting to the Practice

Suite A115, Mediclinic Cape Town Hospital, 21 Hof Street, Oranjezicht. Surgery is performed in the same hospital.

• City Bowl: Gardens, Tamboerskloof, Vredehoek, Oranjezicht and the CBD.
• Atlantic Seaboard: Green Point, Sea Point, Camps Bay and Clifton, via Kloof Nek or the city.
• Southern Suburbs: Observatory, Rondebosch, Newlands, Claremont and Constantia, via the M3.
• Northern Suburbs: Milnerton, Parow, Bellville and Durbanville, via the N1.

About Dr. Loots

Dr. Loots is a specialist general surgeon at Cape Town Mediclinic with a special interest in breast and thyroid surgery and endoscopy. MBChB (University of the Free State, 2004); MMed Surgery (Stellenbosch University, 2015); FCS SA.

Related Reading

• When Is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?
• Patient Information: Preparing for Your Surgery