Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of gallstones, which are small and hard, consisting primarily of cholesterol and bile salts that form in the gallbladder.
Gallbladder disease symptoms can be similar to other medical conditions, so it’s important to have the proper screening and test(s) for diagnosis and treatment. Columbia Surgical Associates’ staff will determine with an abdominal ultrasound and CCK-HIDA scan if laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best treatment option.
Read Gallbladder Disease FAQ to learn more from James B. Pitt, DO.
THE PROCEDURE
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is performed under general anesthesia. Surgeons will make three to four small incisions less than one-half inch in length and inject local anesthetic around the incision area.
A camera is inserted into the patient’s abdomen through an incision enabling the surgeon to monitor an enlarged image of the procedure on a high-resolution screen. The other incisions are used to remove the gallbladder.
Multiple incisions are made instead of making one large incision, as was commonly done in the past, for faster recovery time.
Once the gallbladder is removed, stitches are put under the skin and the incision is covered with a small dressing.
RECOVERY
Compared to open gallbladder surgery, laparoscopic gallbladder removal is minimally invasive, so it allows for faster recovery time and less discomfort.
The most uncomfortable aspect of recovery is the first few days after surgery. Often patients express a pain radiating to their right shoulder. Patients can be given prescription pain medication and discuss a pain control regimen with their surgeon to manage discomfort.
After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it is important to monitor food choices and eat small portions slowly for the first month after gallbladder removal to avoid stomach pains and diarrhea.
SET AN APPOINTMENT
Our board certified surgical specialists have more than 100 years of combined experience in the practice of surgery, and specialize in the surgical treatment of a variety of health problems, including laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Please reach out with questions or make an appointment by calling our office at (573) 443-8773.
