Gallbladder surgery is a common procedure performed by general surgery teams to treat gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Also known as a cholecystectomy, the surgery removes the gallbladder to relieve pain, nausea, and digestive issues, among other issues. For many patients, gallbladder surgery offers a long-term solution that restores comfort and supports a healthier lifestyle.
Before gallbladder surgery begins, a general surgeon conducts a comprehensive assessment, including blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical exam. This confirms that the patient is a good candidate for the procedure and does not have any disqualifying conditions, like liver cirrhosis.
On the day of gallbladder surgery, the surgeon will administer general anesthesia to place the patient in a sleep-like state. This ensures patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. They will then sterilize the surgical site and position the patient to allow clear access to the upper abdomen. Most gallbladder surgeries today use a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique that requires only small incisions.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is typically the first choice because it is the least invasive option, with a short recovery time and reduced postoperative discomfort. The general surgery team makes a small incision near the navel to insert a laparoscope, a thin instrument with a camera that sends live video to a nearby monitor. They also make a few more small incisions to allow surgical tools to enter the abdomen.
Using the live camera feed, the team identifies and isolates the gallbladder from surrounding structures. Then, they clip and cut the cystic duct and artery, which connect the gallbladder to the liver and digestive tract. Next, they carefully detach the gallbladder from the liver and remove it through one of the incisions.
Once the removal is completed, the surgeon will integrate and check for bleeding or bile leakage. If the site is stable, the team will either suture or glue the incisions shut before dressing the area. After surgery, the patient is closely monitored as the effects of anesthesia wear off. Pain management, mobility encouragement, and hydration support begin promptly. Most patients who undergo laparoscopic gallbladder surgery are discharged the same day or within 24 hours.
Although most procedures are performed laparoscopically, certain situations may call for open gallbladder surgery. This approach involves a larger incision in the upper right abdomen. It is the more likely choice when there is infection, scar tissue, or other complications that make laparoscopic removal unsafe.
Open gallbladder surgery follows the same basic steps as the laparoscopic version: identifying, clipping, and removing the organ. The decision to convert to open surgery is generally made during the procedure based on real-time findings. General surgeons discuss the possibility of this transition with patients before the procedure for full transparency.
Note that patients undergoing open gallbladder surgery can expect to stay in the hospital for a few days. Regardless of surgical method, most patients resume normal activities within one to two weeks, with continued improvements over the following month.
Persistent gallbladder issues can disrupt daily comfort and nutrition. A skilled general surgery team can determine whether gallbladder removal is the best course of action. Schedule a consultation to explore treatment options in Long Beach.
Request an appointment here: https://aigsca.com or call Associates in General Surgery at (562) 362-3939 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
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