Gallbladder Surgery
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath your liver on the right side of your abdomen. Its primary function is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. Bile plays a key role in breaking down fats in your diet, releasing into the small intestine during digestion.
What Are Gallstones?
Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder. These stones can vary in size, from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. They can be composed of cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin. Many people with gallstones experience no symptoms, a condition known as asymptomatic gallstones or “silent stones” although stones can cause symptoms and problems.
What Symptoms Can Gallstones Cause?
When gallstones block the flow of bile, they can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
• Sudden, intense pain in the upper right abdomen or the center of the abdomen
• Pain that radiates to the right shoulder or back
• Nausea or vomiting
• Digestive issues, such as bloating or intolerance to fatty foods
This collection of symptoms is often referred to as a “gallbladder attack” or biliary colic.
What is Cholecystitis?
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by a gallstone blocking the bile duct. This condition can result in severe, persistent abdominal pain, fever, and tenderness over the gallbladder. Without prompt treatment, cholecystitis can lead to complications, such as infection or sepsis.
What is Gallstone Pancreatitis?
Gallstone pancreatitis occurs when a gallstone blocks the pancreas duct, causing inflammation of the pancreas. This condition can lead to severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Gallstone pancreatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
What is Biliary Dyskinesia?
Biliary dyskinesia is a condition in which the gallbladder does not empty bile properly, even in the absence of gallstones. This dysfunction can cause pain and digestive symptoms similar to those of gallstones. It is often diagnosed using specialized imaging tests to assess gallbladder function.
What Are the Indications for Surgery?
Cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is recommended for:
• Symptomatic gallstones causing recurrent pain or discomfort
• Acute or chronic cholecystitis
• Gallstone pancreatitis
• Suspected or diagnosed gallbladder cancer
• Biliary dyskinesia with persistent symptoms
• Gallbladder polyps larger than 1 cm or associated with other risk factors
Gallbladder
Surgery
Also known as Cholecystectomy, this procedure is done laparoscopic or robotic through four tiny incisions. The bile tube (cystic duct) and artery are dissected and clipped. The gallbladder is removed from under the liver and extracted from the body.
Bikini Line Cholecystectomy
Totally Cosmetic Gallbladder Surgery
Dr. Siegal offers this innovative procedure where your gallbladder can be removed without any visible incisions, leaving you ready for the beach!
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