Final answer:
A cholecystectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is commonly performed laparoscopically and is required in cases of gallstones or gallbladder dysfunction. Postoperative follow-up and diagnostic imaging such as gallbladder scan, ERCP, and abdominal ultrasound are important aspects of patient care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surgical procedure for removing the gallbladder is known as a cholecystectomy. Gallstones or other gallbladder issues such as infection, inflammation, or perforation may necessitate this surgery. While the removal of the gallbladder typically does not significantly affect digestion, it does alter the concentration and regulated release of bile. The liver continues to produce bile, but without the gallbladder, the bile is less concentrated and the timing of its release into the small intestine is less controlled in response to food intake.
Clinical cases like Roberta's, where a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed, are common. This minimally invasive surgery uses a duodenoscope to visualize the internal organs. Postoperative symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, or changes in urination should be reported to the surgeon immediately, as these may indicate complications.
Diagnostic tools such as a gallbladder scan and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) play a crucial role in assessing gallbladder function before and after surgery. An abdominal ultrasound is also an essential imaging technique that can identify gallstones and other issues with the gallbladder and surrounding structures.