Your gallbladder is part of your digestive system. However, it’s an organ prone to disease and pain and one you can live without. Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, in Somerville, New Jersey, performs robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder removal procedures to treat gallbladder disease. These minimally invasive techniques mean smaller incisions and a faster recovery. Call the office or schedule your gallbladder surgery consultation online today.
request an appointmentWhat is the gallbladder?
The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. Its primary job is to store and release bile. Bile is a substance your liver makes that helps with the digestion of fat in your small intestine.
When would I need my gallbladder removed?
You may need your gallbladder removed if you have gallbladder disease. Some of the conditions Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, treats with gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) include:
Gallstones
Gallstones are hard, pebble-like deposits of bile that form in the gallbladder or the bile ducts. Gallstones may cause abdominal pain and affect the movement of bile through the ducts.
Chronic inflammation
You may need gallbladder surgery if you have chronic inflammation of the gallbladder, a condition called cholecystitis. The inflammation occurs when bile gets trapped in the gallbladder, leading to infection.
Biliary dyskinesia
Biliary dyskinesia is a disease that affects the function of the gallbladder, causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
What are the types of gallbladder surgery?
Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, uses laparoscopic or robotic surgery to remove the gallbladder.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a minimally invasive technique that uses a laparoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera, to remove the gallbladder.
Your provider makes a small incision and inserts the laparoscope, sending a live video of your gallbladder to a computer monitor. They may insert surgical tools through the laparoscope or make additional incisions to insert the surgical tools they need to remove your gallbladder.
Robotic gallbladder surgery
Robotic gallbladder surgery combines laparoscopic surgical techniques with robotic technology, allowing your provider to remove your gallbladder through smaller incisions with better precision and flexibility.
Robotic gallbladder surgery is the most advanced surgical technique.
Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, uses minimally invasive techniques in most cases. However, your provider may need to perform a traditional open gallbladder surgery if you have scarring from a previous surgery or a damaged gallbladder.
What can I expect during recovery from gallbladder surgery?
You can expect some pain following gallbladder surgery, and you will need to take some time off to rest. The amount of downtime you need depends on the type of surgery performed, ranging from a week for the minimally invasive procedures to four weeks for the traditional open surgery.
To discuss surgical options for your gallbladder, call Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, or schedule an appointment online today.
