Open Cholecystectomy
Open removal of the gallbladder through a right upper-abdominal incision — reserved for complex, adherent, or inflamed gallbladders where laparoscopy is unsafe.
What is Open Cholecystectomy?
Open cholecystectomy is the traditional surgical technique for gallbladder removal, performed through a right subcostal or midline incision. Although largely replaced by laparoscopy, it remains the safest approach in specific situations — severe inflammation with dense adhesions, suspected gallbladder cancer, anatomical anomalies, or when conversion from laparoscopy is required for safety. Dr. Abhishek performs this at Lux Hospitals with meticulous technique, ensuring excellent outcomes when an open approach is clinically indicated.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Prep
General anaesthesia is administered; right upper abdomen is widely prepared and draped.
Subcostal Incision
A right subcostal (Kocher) incision or midline incision is made to access the gallbladder fossa.
Dissection
Adhesions are carefully released; the gallbladder is exposed, and Calot's triangle is systematically dissected.
Ligation & Removal
Cystic duct and artery are ligated and divided; the gallbladder is dissected off the liver bed and removed.
Drain & Closure
A drain is placed if indicated; the abdominal wall is closed in layers with absorbable sutures.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →Safest approach for severely inflamed or adherent gallbladders
- →Allows complete exploration if malignancy is suspected
- →Direct tactile feedback for complex anatomy
- →Essential backup for laparoscopic conversion when needed
- →Well-established technique with predictable outcomes
- →Enables simultaneous procedures like bile duct exploration
Converting to open is never a failure — it is the mark of a surgeon putting patient safety first. In the right circumstance, an open cholecystectomy is the right operation and delivers an excellent outcome.
— Dr. Abhishek Katha, Consultant General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
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