Gallbladder Surgery

Gallstones are very common. It is estimated the 10% of the population of the United States - approximately 20 million people - has gallstones. Of these, 20% may develop symptoms which may lead to treatment. Approximately 600,000-700,000 operations to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) are performed each year.

Gallstones form in the gallbladder because of several factors including diet, genetics and flow of the bile. Gallstones cause symptoms when they occlude or block the mouth of the gallbladder. After eating, particularly fat-rich foods, the gallbladder is stimulated to squeeze and empty its contents of bile into the intestine to aid in digestion. However, when the gallbladder squeezes against a blockage (such as a stone), the patient will experience discomfort or pain of variable intensity. This is usually localized to the upper abdomen. Usually the pain is severe and subsides after a few hours. However, repeated attacks are often increasingly severe. The diagnosis of gallstones is made through the history and physical exam. Confirmation of the diagnosis is established by ultrasound of the gallbladder.

Unfortunately, there are no non-surgical therapies which effectively dissolve gallstones and/or relieve the intermittent pain. Fortunately, however, surgical removal of the gallbladder has been technically improved using laparoscopy without having to perform a major incision; this has led to great benefits to patients as far as less pain, faster recovery and earlier return to normal activities.

We have practiced laparoscopic gallbladder surgery since the introduction of the technique in the 1980s. Our experience is vast. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations we perform. It is usually performed as an outpatient operation with a very low risk for complications.

Recently, we have adapted a newer technique to remove the gallbladder termed “SILS”.(Single Insertion site Laparoscopic Surgery). Instead of the 4 small incisions used in standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy, we utilize only one small incision hidden in the umbilicus (belly button) to remove the gallbladder laparoscopically, leaving essentially no visible scar. The SILS procedure is technically challenging and can not be done on every patient.

More info on Gallbladder Surgery:

• MedlinePlus: Open and Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
• Laparoscopic Gall Bladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) from SAGES
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy from SLS

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