When it functions properly, the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver, helps store bile, a fluid produced by the liver to aid in the process of digesting fats. However, when the gallbladder becomes diseased or develops gallstones, it can lead to harmful health complications.
Cholecystectomy, also known as gallbladder removal surgery, seeks to treat the symptoms caused by painful gallbladder conditions. If you’re suffering from gallbladder issues, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) can help.
Is Gallbladder Removal Surgery Right for Me?
Our doctors offer specialized care for gallbladder conditions including removal surgery which can help restore your day-to-day life, relieving the symptoms of gallbladder conditions.
Symptoms that may indicate a gallbladder condition include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Indigestion and bloating
- Gas and belching
- Diarrhea or lightly-colored stools
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fever and chills
Living with gallbladder conditions can be challenging and lead to potentially life-threatening complications when left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek evaluation from a medical expert immediately. Your healthcare provider can perform tests to diagnose your symptoms and determine the best course of action.
Conditions We Treat
Gallbladder removal surgery may be recommended in order to treat the following conditions:
- Gallstones – Hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder
- Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Biliary dyskinesia – Gallbladder condition causing pain and digestive issues
- Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts
What to Expect During Gallbladder Surgery
During traditional cholecystectomy surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia, to ensure that they are unconscious. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the gallbladder, and then carefully removes it from the body. Afterward, the incisions are closed with stitches. Many people experience pain or discomfort following gallbladder removal. Pain medications can be prescribed to help manage these symptoms. Most patients return home the same day or the day following surgery.
Advanced Robotic Cholecystectomy
At NGHS we offer advanced robotic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery. This method uses robotic-assisted laparoscopic equipment to access and remove the gallbladder. Robotic surgery allows for greater precision, resulting in smaller incisions, and reduced blood loss when compared to traditional open surgery.
Choose NGMC
At Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), we specialize in providing advanced care for individuals undergoing gallbladder surgery. Our team of skilled surgeons is dedicated to helping you navigate through this process with compassion and expertise, ensuring that you receive the highest level of care and support. NGHS performs surgery across our five NGMC hospital campuses, making it convenient to find expert surgical care close to home.
