Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, involves removing the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver where bile is stored. This procedure is typically performed to treat gallstones and gallbladder issues, including inflammation or infection, which can cause severe abdominal pain and other digestive problems.

At Valley Baptist Physician Network, our dedicated healthcare professionals guide you through each step of your journey, from the initial consultation and diagnostics to surgery and postoperative care. Our facilities in Brownsville and Harlingen feature advanced technology and experienced surgeons skilled in both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. We focus on providing effective, tailored treatment to help you recover swiftly and with minimal discomfort.

When Is Gallbladder Surgery Necessary?

The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ located in the upper right part of your abdomen. It plays a critical role in your digestive system by storing bile, a fluid produced by the liver. Bile helps your body break down and absorb fats from the foods you eat.

In many cases, dietary changes or medications may be tried first to manage gallstone-related symptoms. However, if these approaches fail to alleviate the symptoms or gallstones recur, surgery may be recommended as a treatment option. Symptoms that may require surgery include:

• Intense abdominal pain: Often sudden and sharp, this pain can occur after eating, especially fatty meals.
• Nausea and vomiting: Frequent episodes that may accompany the pain.
• Fever or chills: Indicating an infection or inflammation.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, indicating a blockage in the bile duct.
  

Gallbladder removal surgery is typically recommended for:

• Symptomatic cholelithiasis: Presence of gallstones causing symptoms.
• Cholecystitis: Both acute and chronic forms.
• Biliary dyskinesia: Abnormal function of the bile ducts and gallbladder.
• Acalculous cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder without the presence of gallstones.
• Gallstone pancreatitis: Gallstones causing inflammation of the pancreas.
• Gallbladder polyps or masses: Depending on their size and symptoms.

When not treated early, gallstones can lead to several complications that might require surgery:

• Acute cholecystitis: This is inflammation of the gallbladder caused by gallstones blocking the ducts that lead out of the organ, leading to pain and infection.
• Pancreatitis: Gallstones can travel and block the pancreatic duct, leading to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas that can be severe and life-threatening.
• Biliary colic: Severe pain caused by the blockage of the cystic duct by a gallstone, which can be recurrent and debilitating.

Why Does My Gallbladder Need To Be Removed?

Gallbladder issues can manifest in various ways, most commonly through the formation of gallstones—small, hard deposits that can develop when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. While many people with gallstones experience no symptoms, others may suffer from severe abdominal pain, particularly after eating a fatty meal.

Surgery to remove the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy, is typically recommended if you experience significant symptoms from gallstones or other gallbladder problems such as acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) caused by gallstones. In these cases, the gallbladder may need to be removed to relieve pain, treat infection and prevent further complications.

The decision to undergo surgery will be made after a careful evaluation by your healthcare provider, including a detailed discussion of the potential benefits and risks associated with surgery.

What Happens During Gallbladder Surgery?

Before undergoing gallbladder surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure you are fit for the procedure. This includes a full physical examination and possibly some diagnostic tests such as ultrasounds or computed tomography (CT) scans to assess the condition of your gallbladder.

Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you and obtain your consent before proceeding. You'll receive instructions on how to prepare, such as fasting for a certain period before the surgery and temporarily stopping any medications that could increase bleeding risks. Gallbladder removal can be performed using two main techniques: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Surgery)

1. The surgery begins with the administration of general anesthesia, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure.
2. The surgeon makes several small incisions in your abdomen.
3. A port (a small tube) is inserted into one of the incisions, and the abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide a clearer view and more working space.
4. A laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light, is inserted through the port. This allows the surgeon to view the gallbladder on a video monitor. Other specialized instruments are inserted through additional small incisions.
5. The gallbladder is carefully separated from its connections to the liver and the bile duct. The cystic duct and artery are clipped and cut, and the gallbladder is removed through one of the abdominal incisions.
6. The incisions are then closed with sutures, staples or surgical glue. These may dissolve on their own or may need to be removed later by a healthcare professional.

Open Cholecystectomy

1. Like in laparoscopic surgery, general anesthesia is administered.
2. A single, larger incision is made in the abdomen to access the gallbladder directly.
3. The gallbladder is located and carefully detached from its surrounding structures. The cystic duct and artery are identified, clipped, and cut. The gallbladder is then removed through the open incision.
4. The large incision is closed with sutures or staples, which will need careful monitoring during recovery.
   

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally preferred because it usually involves less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and smaller scars compared to open surgery. Most patients can go home the same day or the following day and return to normal activities within a week or two .

Open cholecystectomy might be necessary if you have extensive scarring from previous surgeries or if complications arise during a laparoscopic procedure. Recovery from open surgery usually takes longer. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to ensure proper healing.

In either case, the team of medical professionals will monitor your vital signs and manage any discomfort or pain with appropriate medications immediately following the surgery. You'll receive specific instructions on how to care for your surgical site, signs of complications to watch for and when to follow up with your surgeon.

What Are the Risks of Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery is generally safe and effective, but it carries some risks and complications, as with any surgical procedure. Common risks include:

• Infection at the incision site or internally
• Bleeding, which is usually minor but can be significant
• Bile leakages into the abdominal cavity, which can lead to painful complications.
• Risk of accidental injury to surrounding structures such as the bile ducts, liver or intestines, which, although rare, may require additional surgery to repair.

Sometimes, a procedure that begins as laparoscopic may need to be converted to an open surgery if complications arise. Open cholecystectomy involves a larger incision, which typically results in longer recovery time and greater discomfort compared to the laparoscopic approach.

Long-term risks following gallbladder surgery can include changes in digestion since bile directly flows into the intestines without being stored in the gallbladder. This can lead to symptoms like bloating or diarrhea, especially after consuming fatty foods. Some individuals may also experience postcholecystectomy syndrome, which includes ongoing abdominal pain and digestive problems even after the gallbladder has been removed.

To minimize these risks, it is crucial to adhere strictly to your surgeon’s preoperative and postoperative instructions, including pre-surgery preparations and post-surgery care, dietary adjustments and activity restrictions. Report any unusual symptoms or changes in your health to your healthcare provider promptly after surgery. Discuss all potential risks with your surgeon before deciding on surgery, as your medical team will take several precautions to minimize risks and ensure the safest possible outcome for your procedure.

What Are the Benefits of Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, provides significant benefits for those suffering from gallbladder disease, mainly caused by gallstones. Here are the primary advantages of this procedure:

• Relief from symptoms
• Prevention of future complications
• Minimally invasive options
• Improved digestive health

Why Choose Valley Baptist Physician Network

At Valley Baptist Physician Network, our experienced surgeons utilize appropriate minimally invasive techniques to ensure precision and reduced recovery times. We provide patient-centered care, tailoring treatments to meet individual needs and ensuring the best outcomes. From consultation to recovery, our supportive environment focuses on minimizing discomfort and enhancing your quality of life.