Gallbladder Surgery

What is gallbladder surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, also called a cholecystectomy, is a procedure to remove your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located directly beneath the liver that collects bile — a type of fluid that helps the small intestine digest fats. 

If your gallbladder stops functioning properly, removing it is often the best solution to avoid complications like inflammation and blockages. Dr. Quinones and the surgical team at Q&S Surgical have extensive experience removing dysfunctional gallbladders using the least invasive approach possible.

Why might I need gallbladder surgery?

The most common reason for gallbladder surgery is to treat gallstones. These hard deposits of cholesterol, bile pigment, and other solid materials can lead to severe discomfort, including nausea, bloating, vomiting, fevers, chills and jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Other common reasons for gallbladder surgery include the following:

• Porcelain gallbladder (calcified gallbladder)
• Acute cholecystitis (inflammation caused by gallstones)
• Biliary dyskinesia (affects the flow of bile)
• Gallbladder cancer

Removing the gallbladder can help relieve uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. It can also prevent acute cholecystitis, which is a serious infection of the gallbladder that may need emergency surgery if postponed.

Are there different types of gallbladder surgery?

There are multiple types of gallbladder surgery, including:

Open surgery

Open gallbladder surgery is an invasive procedure that requires an inpatient hospital stay and general anesthesia. The procedure involves creating a large incision in the abdomen to access and remove the gallbladder.

Minimally invasive surgery

Minimally invasive gallbladder surgery is a procedure that involves making several tiny incisions in the abdomen. Your surgeon then inserts small tools, including a camera, through the incisions to carefully remove the gallbladder. This method typically carries a shorter recovery time than open surgery and lowers your pain and infection risk.

Da Vinci® Robotic Surgery

Very soon, Dr. Quinones will start using the da Vinci® robotic surgery system, which allows the surgeon to perform minimally invasive gallbladder surgery with extreme precision. The surgeon directs the system’s robotic arms to perform the procedure with maximum dexterity, which can reduce pain and risk of complications after surgery.

What happens after gallbladder surgery?

Recovering from laparoscopic gallbladder surgery typically takes from 2-4 weeks. A small number of people experience bouts of diarrhea for a month or two after surgery, but these side effects usually resolve on their own. Once you recover, Dr. Quinones may recommend dietary changes to help your body process fats easier.

Call Q&S Surgical today or schedule an appointment online for more information on gallbladder surgery.