Improvements for gall bladder patients

IPSWICH: Three-quarters of patients at Ipswich Hospital who have keyhole surgery to remove their gall bladder are set to be treated as day cases.

Currently, around five per cent of patients have the operation (a laparoscopic cholecystectomy) and go home on the same day, but Ipswich Hospital is starting a programme aiming to increase this to 75 per cent.

It follows national guidance to improve patient experience and get patients back to the comfort of their own homes sooner.

Around 400 of the operations are carried out each year at the hospital.

Patients have their gall bladder removed if they have painful or problematic gall stones causing symptoms such as jaundice.

The gallbladder is a small sac on the underside of the liver. Bile (also called gall) is a liquid produced by the liver and is passed into the small intestine to help aid digestion. Gallstones occur when bile forms stones.

Hospital unit matron Helen Gardner said: “Patients prefer to go home sooner and in most cases there is no reason why they shouldn't.

“We will make sure they are fully prepared to manage their pain relief and that they know what to expect and what to look out for.

“Patients recover quicker at home, sleep better, have less risk of infection and generally have higher satisfaction.”

The programme to increase the rate of day cases begins on January 1, 2010.

Have you been impressed with the treatment at Ipswich Hospital? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.