Gallbladder

If you come to me for gallbladder problems, we will sit down in the office together and discuss your symptoms and testing. Usually an ultrasound or CT will diagnose gallstones or other signs of gallbladder disease. Occasionally a HIDA scan is needed to confirm a diagnosis.  Additionally, bloodwork is utilized in diagnosing possible complications from gallbladder disease. We will discuss both surgical and non-surgical options and then come to a treatment plan that is best for you.

If surgery is needed, then we will discuss the surgical options.  These include laparoscopic and robotic surgery to remove the gallbladder. We will discuss these in detail during your visit. Surgery for most people is outpatient and patients usually return to work in a week.

Why it's done

A cholecystectomy is most commonly performed to treat gallstones and the complications they cause. Your doctor may recommend a cholecystectomy if you have:

• Gallstones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis)
• Gallstones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis)
• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
• Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) due to gallstones

Risks

A cholecystectomy carries a small risk of complications including:

• Bile leak
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Heart problems
• Infection
• Injury to nearby structures, such as the bile duct, liver and small intestine
• Pancreatitis
• Pneumonia

Your risk of complications depends on your overall health and the reason for your cholecystectomy.

How you prepare

• To prepare for a cholecystectomy, your surgeon may ask you to:
• Drink a solution to clean out your intestines. In the days before your procedure you may be given a prescription solution that flushes stool out of your intestines.
• Eat nothing the night before your surgery. You may drink a sip of water with your medications, but avoid eating and drinking at least four hours before your surgery.
• Stop taking certain medications and supplements. Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you take. Continue taking most medications as prescribed. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications and supplements because they may increase your risk of bleeding.

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