Your gallbladder plays a vital role in your digestion. This small, pouch-like organ located in the upper right side of your abdomen is responsible for collecting and storing bile. Bile is a fluid produced by the liver that helps in breaking down fats.
If you develop a gallbladder disease and show symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), your doctor may recommend you for a gallbladder removal surgery
How is the gallbladder removed?
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (the medical term for gallbladder surgery) is the option most commonly used. Laparoscopic or keyhole surgery involves small incisions in the abdomen. Through these small incisions, the surgeon inserts a lighted instrument called a laparoscope and other special instruments.
After removing the gallbladder, the surgeon closes the incisions with surgical tape, stitches, staples, or glue. These eventually fade away as you heal so you don’t have to see your doctor for their removal.
The advantage of laparoscopic surgery over traditional open surgery is that it has lower risks of complications and faster recovery. However, not everyone is suitable for this kind of gallbladder surgery.
Open cholecystectomy may be recommended for patients who may not qualify for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, either as a result of severe gallbladder problems or scar tissue in the abdomen from previous surgery.
In a traditional open cholecystectomy, the surgeon removes the gallbladder through a large, single incision in your belly. It is a more invasive procedure than the laparoscopic option.
Gallbladder surgery at Premier Surgical
Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, has board-certified surgeons with years of experience in performing gallbladder surgeries. To request an appointment with a surgeon at one of our locations, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/.