Gallstones are small, hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder functions to store bile, which helps to digest fat. Gallstones can vary in size and composition and may cause pain and other symptoms if they block the flow of bile.

Gallstones can form when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile, such as cholesterol, bile salts, and bilirubin. Factors that increase the risk of developing gallstones include obesity, a high-fat diet, rapid weight loss, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of gallstones can vary but often include severe abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Some people may also experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if a gallstone blocks the bile duct which connects the liver to the intestines.

Gallbladder disease is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as ultrasound, Nuclear medicine tests, or MRI. Blood tests may also be performed to check for signs of inflammation or infection.

In some cases, gallstones may not cause symptoms and can be managed with lifestyle changes such as a low-fat diet. However, if gallstones are causing symptoms or complications, such as inflammation of the gallbladder or blockage of the bile ducts, surgery may be necessary.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is performed using small incisions and a camera-equipped instrument called a laparoscope, allowing for quicker recovery and less scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Patients generally go home the same day as their surgery. We perform a nerve block to make sure that the skin incisions are not painful for the 1st 24 hours. Recovery time after laparoscopic cholecystectomy is typically shorter compared to open surgery, with most patients able to resume normal activities within a week. We recommend that you don't lift anything greater than 10 lbs for four weeks after the surgery in order to avoid developing a hernia.

After gallbladder surgery, some people may experience digestive changes, particularly with fatty or greasy foods. It's generally recommended to gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet and focus on a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

This surgery is very safe but there are always the rare risks of bleeding, infection, and damage to the bile duct which connects the liver to the intestines. If that duct is injured, it requires an additional larger procedure to fix.

Our practice utilizes the principles of the safe cholecystectomy program established by SAGES, which puts us at a lower risk of bile duct injury than the average surgeon. You can learn more about the program here: https://www.sages.org/safe-cholecystectomy-program/. Despite overwhelming evidence that adhering to these principles keeps the patient safe, many surgeons sill do not follow these rules. Who you choose for your surgery matters. Please book an appointment with us today to learn more!