Finding the right specialist for the job is important when you need gallbladder surgery. For many in and around Frederick, Maryland our surgeons of Foris Surgical Group are an outstanding resource for these procedures. Learn more about what to expect during a face-to-face consultation, which you can book online or by phone today.
Your gallbladder is a small organ on the right side of your abdomen, just beneath your liver. Shaped like a small pear, the gallbladder holds bile, a type of digestive fluid produced in your liver.
When you eat, your gallbladder releases a small amount of bile into your small intestine. The fluid helps break down fats in the food you consume.
It’s important to understand that not all bile passes through your gallbladder. A significant volume of bile travels directly from your liver into your small intestine. That’s why you can have your gallbladder completely removed and still digest food properly.
The most common reason to have gallbladder surgery is to treat gallstones. These are small crystals that form in your gallbladder. When gallstones grow large enough to block the flow of bile into your small intestine, inflammation can develop, a condition called cholecystitis.
Some of the indications you might have gallstones include:
Surgically removing your gallbladder is the primary treatment for gallstones. As mentioned above, removing your gallbladder does not prevent normal digestive function.
Most gallbladders surgeries can be performed using laparoscopic techniques. This means smaller incisions and less tissue displacement as compared with traditional open surgery.
This surgical procedure is called a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Usually performed on an outpatient basis, the surgery requires only 4-5 small incisions to enable slim surgical tools and a camera to access the site. The entire procedure takes less than two hours.
You’ll need to take it easy for a few days after your gallbladder surgery, but it’s important to walk a little each day to reduce your risk of blood clots. Within a few days, you can return to most normal activities, and after about two weeks, you won’t have any restrictions to follow.
If you need to schedule gallbladder surgery, booking is fast and easy. Simply spend a few moments on the online scheduling page, or call Foris Surgical Group today to check appointment availability.