Gallbladder Surgery 101
Do you have recurring gallstones or pancreatitis caused by gallbladder issues? If so, it might be time to start considering gallbladder surgery. In this post, we’re going to answer your most common gallbladder surgery questions: how long does a gallbladder surgery take, how long is recovery from gallbladder surgery, and is gallbladder surgery a big surgery?
Common Questions About Gallbladder Surgery:
What Is Gallbladder Surgery & What Is It For?
Also known as a cholecystectomy, gallbladder surgery usually refers to the complete removal of the gallbladder. Like an appendectomy (or appendix removal), a cholecystectomy is generally performed when there are issues in the organ that cannot be resolved with other methods.
The gallbladder is a little sac that sits next to your pancreas and collects digestive fluids called bile. Some individuals will develop problems with this organ, such as recurring gallstones and the inflammation of the gallbladder that is usually associated with gallstones (cholecystitis). Other reasons for your doctor suggesting a cholecystectomy might include:
- Pancreatitis caused by gallbladder issues
- Gallbladder polyps
- Gallstones blocking the bile duct
How Long Does Gallbladder Surgery Take?
Much like an appendectomy, gallbladder removal doesn’t take longer than two hours once you’re under general anesthesia. Your surgery will be performed either by a general surgeon or a surgeon who specializes in the digestive system and its organs. Gallbladder surgery is generally done as a minimally invasive surgery using scopes to visualize the inside of the body. These types of surgeries generally have faster recovery times than full open surgery.
Is Gallbladder Surgery a Big Surgery?
Any surgical procedure, especially one where the patient is under general anesthesia, should be considered a big surgery. Even laparoscopic surgeries require general anesthesia (unless a patient cannot be exposed to it, then a spinal block may work). Furthermore, gallbladder surgery removes an organ from the body of the patient; this requires much healing and time to recover.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gallbladder Surgery?
Any patient who would benefit from the removal of their gallbladder for any of the reasons listed above is a good candidate for cholecystectomy. Patients who can not undergo general anesthesia may need to work with a surgical team that can manage the pain of surgery with a spinal block – much like a scheduled cesarian section.
How Long Is Recovery From Gallbladder Surgery?
Like with any surgery, you can expect 4-6 weeks of recovery before you start to feel like yourself again. A gallbladder surgery involves cutting through abdominal muscle, so you may have residual pain in your abdomen as your muscles heal and reform. It can take months for internal musculature to return to the way it was before your surgery.
Suncoast Surgical Associates: Gallbladder Surgery in Brandon, Florida
Have you and your doctor talked about a cholecystectomy or gallbladder surgery to help resolve your ongoing pancreatic or gallbladder problems? If so, ask for a referral to Suncoast Surgical Associates; our team of surgical professionals can help you get the relief from gallbladder and pancreas problems that you’ve been hoping for.