The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver that stores bile and helps your body break down and digest fats. While it plays an important role in digestion, the gallbladder is not essential for survival. When it becomes diseased or infected, removal is often the best option to relieve pain and prevent serious complications.

At Premier Surgical Cleveland,TN, our board-certified general surgeons, Dr. Eston Wenger, Dr. Jason Dunn, Dr. Joshua Worthington, and Dr. John Boxberger,  specialize in the minimally invasive surgical treatment of gallbladder disease. For many patients, laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is the preferred approach due to its many benefits.

Understanding Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is more common than you might think. An estimated 20 million Americans are affected by conditions like gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis), or infection.

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Are over age 60
• Have a family history of gallbladder disease
• Are obese
• Eat a diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol

Common symptoms of gallbladder disease include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion and gas
• Pain under the right rib cage or between the shoulder blades
• Bitter fluid coming up after eating
• Diarrhea or dizziness

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to see a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Why Gallbladder Removal is Recommended

When gallbladder disease causes persistent pain, inflammation, or infection, surgical removal is often the best solution. Cholecystectomy is one of the most common and safest surgeries performed in the United States, with over 700,000 procedures done each year.

Removing the gallbladder eliminates the source of gallstones and prevents future issues. Patients can live healthy lives without their gallbladder, as the body adapts to digesting fats without its assistance.

What is Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal?

In most cases, gallbladder removal can be performed using a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. During this procedure:

1. The surgeon makes a few small incisions in the abdomen.
2. A tiny camera (laparoscope) and specialized instruments are inserted.
3. The surgeon removes the gallbladder while viewing detailed images on a monitor.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic gallbladder removal offers several advantages:

• Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
• Less pain during recovery
• Shorter hospital stays (often same-day discharge)
• Faster return to normal activities
• Lower risk of complications and infections

This approach has become the standard for gallbladder removal, with approximately 90% of procedures performed laparoscopically in the U.S.

Is Laparoscopic Surgery Right for You?

While laparoscopic surgery is ideal for most patients, it may not be suitable if there is severe inflammation, scar tissue from previous surgeries, or complications involving the bile duct. In these cases, an open surgical approach may be necessary.

Our experienced surgeons, Dr. Eston Wenger, Dr. Jason Dunn, Dr. Joshua Worthington, and Dr. John Boxberger, at Premier Surgical Cleveland will evaluate your condition and recommend the safest and most effective treatment option.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If you’re struggling with gallbladder pain or related symptoms, don’t wait to seek help. Our team is here to provide expert care and guide you through every step of your treatment.

Request an appointment today online or by phone at (423) 472-5423 to discuss your options with our specialists.