Gallbladder removal, medically known as Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, has become one of the most performed surgical procedures in the United States.
This innovative approach to gallbladder surgery offers numerous benefits and has transformed the treatment of gallbladder disease, which includes gallstones.
The gallbladder is a small organ located under the right side of the liver. Its primary role is to store and concentrate bile, a digestive liquid produced by the liver.
Stored bile is released from the gallbladder into the small intestine to aid digestion by breaking down fats.
The gallbladder helps digestion, but if it has problems, it can be taken out without affecting digestion for most people.
Gallbladder issues are usually caused by gallstones.
Gallstones are small, hard masses made of cholesterol and bile salts. These stones can develop in the gallbladder or bile ducts.
While it remains uncertain why some individuals develop gallstones, there is no known way to prevent them.
Gallstones can block the flow of bile, causing swelling or inflammation of the gallbladder.
This can lead to symptoms such as sharp abdominal pain called biliary colic, vomiting, indigestion, and sometimes fever.
When a gallstone obstructs the common bile duct, it can result in jaundice or a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
This is another gallbladder condition that occurs when the bile duct fails to contract correctly.
This can be an issue with the contracting muscle of the bile duct or a related part of the organ.
This is a functional disorder, meaning it is caused by a muscle or organ issue rather than a mechanical blockage like a gallstone.
When the gallbladder can’t properly release bile, it can lead to swelling, infections, inflammation, and pain.
Biliary dyskinesia may display the same symptoms as gallstones.
Gallstones are solid, pebble-like deposits that can develop in the gallbladder. Although small, they can cause severe pain and discomfort. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of gallstones.
Robotic cholecystectomy provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for removing your gallbladder. Using robotic technology such as the daVinci surgical system, your surgeon will perform the procedure with greater precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery, helping you get back to what matters most.
Advantages of robotic gallbladder removal include:
Smaller cuts, less pain: The da Vinci system allows your surgeon to make tiny incisions, which means less pain after surgery and a faster recovery for you.
Faster recovery: Because the procedure is so precise and less invasive, you'll likely be able to get back to your usual activities, like work or hobbies, much sooner.
Less scarring: The small incisions result in smaller, less noticeable scars, so you can get back to feeling like yourself
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves making a small incision just below the navel and filling the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide gas to create space.
The camera is inserted through the incision, providing a clear view of the internal organs on a specialized screen. More small incisions are made below the ribs to accommodate the other surgical instruments. These instruments are used to manipulate and remove the gallbladder.
While the duration of surgery can vary, it typically lasts around 90 minutes.
Advantages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy:
The recovery process after cholecystectomy is generally straightforward. Patients often experience minimal post-operative pain, side effects, and reduced scarring.
While some may make dietary adjustments, the majority of patients adapt well to life without their gallbladder.
With proper recovery, the digestive system will function normally without the gallbladder.
Your doctor will work with you to determine if gallbladder removal is the best treatment plan for you and your condition. There are advantages to both laparoscopy removal and robotic removal, and based on your condition and risk factors, your health care team can help determine which type of gallbladder removal surgery is best for you after a thorough medical evaluation.
If you think you have symptoms of gallbladder issues, talk to your doctor about your options.
