Gallbladder is an organ that collects and concentrate bile, then releases it into the small intestine to help digestion.
Gallbladder disease is very common medical problem, symptoms includes: Nausea, vomitting, abdominal pain.
Gallbladder problems are caused by gallstones mostly, but some times functional disorder without gallstones could be the reason for the illness.
- Gallstones problems
- Functional problems
What’s the best option for gallbladder treatment?
Surgical removal of the gallbladder (Cholecystectomy) is the only treatment for gallbladder disease. Treatments to break up or dissolve gallstones are mostly unsuccessful.
What are the options for gallbladder surgery?
There are two main techniques cholecystectomy: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy & Open Traditional Cholecystectomy.
Laparascopic: with 3 variations
1. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, the gold standard and in my opinion still the best option, 4 small holes
- Less wound complications
- Faster Recovery
- Minimal visible scar
2. Laparoscopic Scarless: the true single incision
Gallbladder surgery, is done using 2 very small holes inside the belly button, leaving no visible scar. Advantages of this Procedure:
- Less pain
- Less wound complications
- Faster Recovery
- No visible scar
3. Laparoscopic Robotic Assisted Cholecystectomy
The Robots in surgery overcomes the limitations of both traditional open surgery and conventional Laparoscopic surgery in certain procedures. The Robot designed to expand the surgeon’s capabilities and offer more possibilities for certain Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.
With da Vinci, small incisions are used to introduce miniaturized wristed instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. Seated comfortably at the console, the surgeon views a magnified, high-resolution 3D image of the surgical site. And controls the arms of the robot from distance.
This technique offers minimally invasive way to treat difficult conditions of gallbladder disease. The Robot has made it possible to offer patients with acute cholecystitis, extensive adhesions, difficult anatomy a laparoscopic alternative to the more traumatic open surgery.
But in the usual uncomplicated cholecystectomy simple laparoscopic approach is preferred over Robotic by Dr. Sayegh, as he feels it is less traumatic and offers truly scarless option.
- Open Surgery
Some patients are not candidate for laparoscopic surgery so they undergo the traditional open Cholecystectomy with a large abdominal incision.
Usually these patients have multiple, major abdominal surgeries with large scars.
What you should expect after gallbladder surgery.
We want you to know what you should expect after gallbladder removal surgery (Cholecystectomy):
- Walking is encouraged and patients can go up and down stairs the day of surgery.
- Patients can remove the dressings and shower the day after the operation.
- Most patients will probably be able to return to normal activities within 1-2 days including driving, light lifting and working (depending on the nature of work).
If you have any other questions about this procedure, please feel free to contact our office.
