08 December 2023 11:15

Mandatory health insurance cover gallbladder removal surgery

A total of 32,473 gallbladder removal operations, known as gallectomy, have been performed free of charge under mandatory health insurance.

General surgeons perform gallstone surgeries using laparoscopic and open methods, both covered by mandatory health insurance.

In 2021 and up to October of this year, 32,473 gallbladder removals were performed. Of these, 17,290 were laparoscopic and 15,183 were open. Gallbladder removal is one of the most common abdominal surgeries.

It is crucial to note that the optimal surgical method is individually chosen for each patient based on the nature of the disease, pathology follow-up, and overall health condition. Complicated forms of gallstone disease and certain gallbladder-related ailments are primary indications for surgery.

Prior to the operation, patients undergo a series of medical examinations, including:

• Ultrasound examination of the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.
• Clinical and biochemical analysis of blood, including blood coagulation.
• Electrocardiography (ECG).
• Fluorography or X-ray of thoracic organs.
• Screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, hepatitis B and C infections.

If medically indicated, additional X-ray examinations such as CT and MRI of the abdominal cavity, oral cholecystography, and cholangiography can also be performed, all covered within the Benefit Package.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically lasts about 40 minutes, and in the absence of complications, patients are discharged the following day. Stitches are typically removed approximately 9 days after the operation at a healthcare facility.

The insurance covers all aspects of the gallectomy operation, including consultations with the doctor, laboratory and instrumental examinations, anesthesia, resuscitation, hospitalization, and the use of medicines and medical supplies during hospitalization and surgery. Blood and blood components, as well as nutrition during hospitalization, and provisions for accompanying persons for children up to 12 years old, are also fully covered.

To access medical services covered under mandatory health insurance, interested individuals should apply to any public medical facility supervised by the Administration of Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB) and the 9 scientific-research institutes of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan with a valid ID card.

For your convenience, the list of services covered by the Benefit Package of mandatory health insurance is available for reference.