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Gallbladder Surgery

The gallbladder is a small sac located under the liver. It stores and concentrates the bile produced in the liver, which aids in the digestion of fats. Bile is released from the gallbladder to help with the digestion of food, especially fats, in the upper small intestine. Conditions which slow or obstruct the flow of bile out of the gallbladder result in gallbladder disease.

What are the symptoms of gallbladder disease?
Nausea and a bloating sensation are also common with gallstones. When the symptoms come and go, often after eating fatty or spicy food, the condition is called "biliary colic" .

How is Gallbladder surgery performed?

Gallbladder surgery can be done through a large abdominal incision (open cholecystectomy), through several small incisions (traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy), or through the newest option, a single tiny incision in the belly button (Single Port Access Cholecystectomy) . 

What is a traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy

During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgeons make several small incisions in the abdomen near the navel and pass surgical instruments and a light source with a tiny camera through them. Surgeons then locate the gallbladder and separate and close off the vessels and tubes from it. They then remove the gallbladder and close the incisions.

What is the advantage of a Single Port Access Cholecystectomy

Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery have led to the ability to perform gallbladder surgery through only a single incision (SPA surgery). This single 2-3 cm (the width of your finger) incision is hidden inside the umbilicus (belly button) allowing for decreased pain and a nearly scarless surgery.

For more information on gallbladder surgery and having your gallbladder removed through only a single incision please contact us for an appointment.

Our Website is designed to provide information on laparoscopic surgical procedures.  The information found on this website should not be considered as medical advice and all decisions regarding medical care should be done in consultation with your physician.