Cholecystectomy is the term used for the surgical removal of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located just below the liver. It is responsible for collecting and storing bile, a type of digestive fluid produced by the liver.
When is Gallbladder Removal Necessary?
There are different reasons why cholecystectomy may be performed. A common reason is to provide pain relief from gallstones. These are hard deposits of substances in the bile that can get stuck in the gallbladder and biliary ducts. They can block the flow of the bile and can cause acute or chronic gallbladder inflammation.
Open vs. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
In the past, gallbladder removal was only done through an open surgery. In this type of cholecystectomy, the gallbladder was removed through a single, large incision in the abdomen. However, the advancements in technology paved the way for the birth of laparoscopic procedures.
Laparoscopic surgeries are known as minimally-invasive procedures. During a laparoscopic procedure, small incisions are made and plastic tubes (also called ports) are placed through these incisions. A tiny camera and special instruments are introduced through these ports, which allow access to the inside of the patient. The video camera provides the surgical team images of the organ. These images are transmitted into a television monitor.
Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgeries. Laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder is a minimally invasive technique that requires only a few small incisions in the abdomen rather than the large incision used in an open approach. Other advantages of laparoscopic surgery include: same day surgery, less post-operative pain, and a quicker recovery and return to normal activities.
Premier Surgery Packages
If you’re facing a high health insurance deductible or are familiar with the “sticker shock” that comes when you received multiple bills your surgery, you’re not alone. That’s why the physicians of Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville have developed Premier Surgical Packages to offer patients excellent laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, at one affordable, packaged cash price!
You choose your procedure and your surgeon. Your package includes everything involved in your surgery and care. You know the total cost upfront, with no surprises or hidden fees. All procedures are cash priced for self-pay patients and are performed at the Premier Office-Based Surgery Center in Knoxville.
To learn more about Premier Surgery packages, and to see if you’re a candidate visit our website.