Gallbladder Removal
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Ravikumar Brahmbhatt, MD, FACS
General Surgery and Advanced Robotic Surgery & General Surgery located in Edison, NJ & Jersey City, NJ
When your gallbladder causes ongoing abdominal pain and indigestion, then you may need gallbladder removal surgery. At RR Surgical Associates in Edison and Jersey City, New Jersey, Ravikumar Brahmbhatt, MD, FACS, uses minimally invasive techniques to perform gallbladder removal surgery. To schedule a surgical evaluation, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.
What is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small organ found in your upper abdomen near your liver. It collects and stores bile, which is a substance that helps digest fat in your small intestine.
Though it is part of your digestive system, you can live without your gallbladder. If you have a gallbladder problem that fails to improve with medical interventions, then you may need gallbladder removal surgery.
Why would I need gallbladder removal surgery?
Gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder problems that may be treated with gallbladder removal surgery. Gallstones are small, hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. These stones vary in size and number and may obstruct the flow of bile from your gallbladder, causing the organ to swell, leading to sharp abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting.
Gallstones may also block the common bile duct, which is the tube that transports bile from your liver to your small intestine. A blockage in your common bile duct may cause yellowing of your skin and eyes (jaundice).
You may also need gallbladder removal surgery if your gallbladder isn’t working as it should.
What happens during gallbladder removal surgery?
Dr. Brahmbhatt performs gallbladder removal surgery using minimally invasive techniques. This procedure is known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
During your gallbladder removal surgery, Dr. Brahmbhatt makes several small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a laparoscope through one of the incisions. A laparoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera that transmits live video of your gallbladder and abdominal area to a computer screen.
Using the imagery from the computer screen, Dr. Brahmbhatt inserts surgical instruments through the other incisions and removes your gallbladder.
After your surgery, Dr. Brahmbhatt sends you to the recovery area for monitoring. Most patients go home the same day following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
What can I expect after gallbladder removal surgery?
Gallbladder removal surgery is a major operation, and you can expect postsurgical pain for a day or two following the procedure. Dr. Brahmbhatt provides activity and diet guidelines for you to follow after the procedure.
You should be able to resume most of your usual activities within a week, including driving, going back to work, and light lifting.
To schedule your gallbladder removal surgery consultation with the experienced team at RR Surgical Associates, call the office or book an appointment online today.
