Gallbladder Surgery

Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder.  The operation is usually done to remove the gallbladder due to gallstones causing pain or infection. There are also several other reasons to have gallbladder surgery.  Your surgeon can discuss your specific case in detail during an office consultation. Cholecystectomy is one of the most common operations we perform. 

Gallbladder Removal Video

 
 
 
 
 
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Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

This is the most common technique to remove the gallbladder. The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen. A lighted camera and surgical tools are placed through ports in the incision sites. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide to make it possible to see in the internal organs. The gallbladder is removed and the incisions are closed with sutures and surgical glue. The surgeon may start with a laparoscopic technique and need to change to the open laparotomy technique. The procedure usually takes about an hour. Most people go home the same day of the operation.

 

Open Cholecystectomy

This is also known as the open laparotomy technique. The surgeon makes an incision about 6 inches long in the upper right side of the abdomen through the muscles to get to the gallbladder. The gallbladder is removed. The incision is stapled or sutured closed. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours. You usually have to spend the night in the hospital after the operation for observation.

Here is another short video with even more information about having gallbladder surgery

 

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