Is laparoscopic surgery safe for diabetics with gallstones?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father is 60 years old and suffering from diabetes for the past one year. Recently we came to know that he has gallstone and also that he has Tuberculosis in the lungs. His sugar level is 193 mg/dL. He is on regular medicines and not on insulin. He has lost his weight, a lot. Currently, his weight is 101 pounds, whereas initially, he is about 143 pounds. Also, he has lost much of his appetite. He is weak, as well. So in this situation, is it safe to undergo gallstone laparoscopic surgery? Also, how fast would be the recovery? Can you suggest a diet plan for him?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you mentioned, he is having multiple problems. If it is an emergency removal of gall stone, then he needs respiratory clearance because he is having pulmonary TB (Tuberculosis). You have not mentioned the size and number of the gallstones and is he is having symptoms? Normal hemoglobin level is also important in this case. Kindly provide available investigations and RBS (random blood sugar levels) levels, and what medications he is taking, because his sugar level is not controlled. He is having weight loss also, it may be because of diabetes and TB and may have Celiac disease, as we need to rule out celiac disease in this situation. So please get done serum tTGA (serum tissue transglutaminase antibodies) level and IgA (immunoglobulin A) level and hemoglobin level. Although laparoscopic surgery has less complication as compared to conventional, he may have complications due to anesthesia. So detailed checkup and investigations are mandatory before surgery.