Word parts
What it means
The operation most often used to treat gallstones and cholecystitiskoh-luh-sis-TY-tisInflammation of the gallbladder.chol/e bilecyst/o sac, bladder-itis inflammationFull entry . It is usually done laparoscopically, through a few small cuts with a camera, and many clients go home the same day. An open operation uses one larger cut under the right ribs. People live normally without a gallbladder, because the liver still makes bilebileA yellow-green fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats.chol/e bileFull entry .
For the nurse
After laparoscopic surgery, shoulder pain is common: gas used to inflate the belly irritates the diaphragm. Walking helps it pass. Teach the client to report fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or worsening belly pain.
At a glance
| Spanish | colecistectomía |
|---|---|
| Also written | cholecystectomies |
Related terms
cholecystitis
Inflammation of the gallbladder.
-ectomy
A word ending that means surgical removal.
bile
A yellow-green fluid made by the liver and stored in the gallbladder that helps digest fats.
surgery
Treatment in which a surgeon operates on the body, usually by cutting into it, to repair, remove or examine tissue.