Gallbladder Surgery Specialist

What causes gallbladder problems?

Most gallbladder problems are caused by gallstones, or small, hard stones that consist of cholesterol and bile salts. Although medical researchers don’t know exactly why some people form gallstones and others don’t, they have identified the risk factors that increase your chances of developing them. They are:

• Being female
• Being over the age of 40
• Having a past pregnancy
• Being overweight
• Having a family history

Even if you have some or all of these risk factors, there’s currently no known way to prevent gallstones.

What are the symptoms of gallstones?

Gallstones can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on where they’re located. If they’re in the gallbladder itself, they may block the outward flow of bile, causing the organ to swell. As a result, you may experience:

• Sharp abdominal pain
• Vomiting or indigestion
• Fever (occasionally)

When gallstones occur in the bile duct, you may notice that your skin takes on a yellowish hue, or appears jaundice.

How are gallbladder problems diagnosed?

Gallstones are usually diagnosed through ultrasound imaging. If your gallbladder problem is particularly severe or complicated, you may require other diagnostic imaging tests, such as a CT scan.

While it’s possible for some patients to manage gallstones by reducing their fat intake and making other recommended dietary changes, any improvement is often small and short-lived. In addition, treatments designed to break up or dissolve gallstones are largely unsuccessful.

In the vast majority of cases, symptoms will continue until the gallbladder is surgically removed.

What is a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Dr. Streeter has performed this common surgery countless times. It carries only a small risk of complications, and most patients can go home the same day as their surgery.

A cholecystectomy may be performed as an open surgery or laparoscopically, depending on what’s best for the patient. Whenever possible, however, Dr. Streeter uses the laparoscopic method because it carries fewer potential risks.

Advantages of laparoscopic gallbladder removal include:

• Greater precision
• Fewer complications
• Less bleeding
• Less scar tissue
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is done by inserting a tiny video camera and special surgical tools through four tiny incisions to in your abdomen. The camera allows Dr. Streeter to see inside your abdomen and successfully remove the gallbladder.

What can I expect after surgery?

If you don’t experience any problems during or after surgery, you’ll be able to head home once you’re able to drink liquids easily and your pain can be managed. Most people are able to go home on the same day or the day after having their gallbladder removed.

If you have a fever, a lot of pain, or any uncontrolled bleeding, you probably need to stay in the hospital longer.

To make sure you’re healing properly, schedule a follow-up visit at Dr. Streeter’s office within a week of your surgery.