Gallbladder Info

Gallstones are the most common problem that affects the gallbladder and can lead to a number of complications, some of which may become life threatening and present a medical emergency. These stones usually don’t present any symptoms, which makes them hard to detect until they cause another condition or complication to hint to their development.

The most effective course of treatment for gallstones is cholecystectomy, or the removal of gallbladder. Although the gallbladder has a function storing the bile that is then released into the small intestine, it is possible to live a normal life without it. Laparoscopic surgery is the preferred method of gallbladder removal, as it safer for the patients and allows shorter recovery times. Cholecystectomy has a 99% success rate in removing gallstones and their reoccurrence.

Unless the gallstones have caused a medical emergency, removing the gallbladder is considered to be an elective procedure, with the other less invasive courses of treatment being the first option.

Gallbladder Guidelines from SSAT

Cholecystectomy may be performed by laparoscopic techniques or by laparotomy. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach are less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal activity, and less abdominal scarring.

Gallbladder Info from Patient UK

The gallbladder lies under the liver on the right side of the upper abdomen. It is like a pouch which comes off the main bile duct and fills with bile. It is a 'reservoir' which stores bile. Pain from bilary colic can last just a few minutes, but more commonly lasts several hours. A severe pain may only happen once in your lifetime, or it may flare up from time to time.

SAGES Cholecystectomy Guidelines

Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the United States. Today, gallbladder surgery is performed laparoscopically. The medical name for this procedure is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

NIDDK Gallstone Info

Gallstones are small, pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac located below your liver in the right upper abdomen. Gallstones form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material.

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