Cholecystectomy - Laparoscopic and Open Techniques

Boise - Caldwell

Gallstone and Gallbladder Removal

If you've ever had a problem with your gallbladder, you're not alone. Harvard Health reports that as many as a million Americans have their gallbladder removed due to cholecystitis or the presence of gallstones each year. Pain from the gallbladder occurs in the upper portion of the abdomen, is one of the worst types of stomach aches you could ever experience, and can require urgent removal. Surprisingly, in some instances, gallstones do not cause symptoms that require treatment at all. When there is an issue with the gallbladder, a procedure to remove the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy, can be performed.

Cholecystectomy - Laparoscopic and Open Surgery | Digestive General Surgery

This article will give an overview of what you need to know about gallstones, gallbladder removal, the difference between laparoscopic or open cholecystectomy, and recovery.

What is a Gallbladder?

Your gallbladder is the small, pear-shaped organ situated beneath your liver—this hollow organ stores bile, which is the fluid that helps you digest your food.

What Is a Gallstone?

If your gallbladder fails to function correctly, the bile can become unbalanced, which leads to hard fragments forming. These fragments can range in size from a tiny grain of rice to as large as a golf ball, causing excruciating pain. Gallstones consist of bits of digestive fluid that solidify in your gallbladder. They may be caused by high cholesterol, high bilirubin, or a gallbladder that does not empty properly. Depending on the amount of digestive fluid involved, you may experience one or several gallstones at a time. Although gallstones do not always cause symptoms, they are often characterized by a sudden, sharp pain in your abdomen, back, or right shoulder that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a high fever.

What is the Treatment Option for Gallstones?

Minor gallstones that do not cause pain or other symptoms usually will not need treatment and may never be noticed at all. However, you have two main options for treating painful gallstones that disrupt your life:

Medication

Certain medications can be used to dissolve gallstones, but they can take a long time to work and may not always work at all, especially for severe gallstones. In most cases, gallbladder removal surgery is your best option for removing painful gallstones.

Open or Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Gallstone/Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a relatively simple procedure. It can be performed traditionally with a large incision (known as open cholecystectomy) or with four small incisions and a camera (known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy). The latter of the two procedures is much more common since it is least disruptive to the body and therefore allows for quicker healing. With either approach, the gallbladder and any included gallstones are removed from the body.

What Diagnoses Besides Gallstones Can Be Treated by Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

There are a few other reasons your general surgeon may recommend having your gallbladder removed. For instance, cholecystectomy can be used to treat the following conditions:

Cholecystectomy - Laparoscopic and Open Surgery | Digestive General Surgery
  • Gallbladder Cancer - people who have a history of gallstones, are at increased risk of gallbladder cancer.
  • Inflammation of the Gallbladder - this can be caused by eating certain foods, tumors, excessive alcohol use, or infection.
  • Inflammation of the Pancreas - known as pancreatitis - this condition can be caused by excess alcohol, gallstones, drugs, infection, and high levels of fat in the blood.

What Happens During Gallstone and Gallbladder Removal Surgery?

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery tends to be somewhat more straightforward than many other surgeries since small incisions are used. Most surgeons prefer a laparoscopic approach for a cholecystectomy. Since smaller incisions are used, it reduces the risk for bleeding, infection, and the time needed for recovery.

During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes extremely thin incisions in your abdomen. Then, they place a trocar through your abdomen for accessing your gallbladder. Long tools and telescopic cameras are used for reaching and removing your gallbladder.

What is the Recovery like for Gallbladder Removal?

Inpatient or Outpatient

After the surgeon has stitched up the incisions from your laparoscopic cholecystectomy, you'll be taken to a recovery room while your anesthesia wears off. You will often be allowed to go home the same day and can expect to fully recover within about a week.

If you were treated with open cholecystectomy, you could expect to stay two to three days in the hospital and have a four to six-week recovery period since you'll have a larger incision. Although there are few risks involved with this procedure, you will need to watch for signs of infection, severe bleeding, and bile leakage during your recovery.

Wound Care and Showers

You'll need to keep the wounds on your abdomen clean. Showers are permitted once the bandages can be removed.

Diet

Consume a balanced, healthy diet, including fiber-rich foods for keeping your bowels moving regularly. To avoid constipation, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Exercising and Driving

You should be able to easily move around the day following your procedure, feeling minimal pain, although you'll probably feel some soreness.

Walk as much as possible, but don't lift anything that could injure your wound. Check with your doctor for specific instructions. Most people can drive and resume their normal activities within a week of their laparoscopic surgery.

Cholecystectomy - Laparoscopic and Open Surgery | Digestive General Surgery

Other Considerations

  • Fortunately, most people who've had a cholecystectomy can live healthy lives without their gallbladders.
  • After the gallbladder has been removed, bile directly flows from the liver into the small intestine instead of being stored in the gallbladder.
  • Thus, you can have normal digestion following a cholecystectomy.

Why Choose Dr. Daniel Gay for This Procedure?

Dr. Gay believes in treating people how they would like to be treated, applying the Golden Rule. He creates a partnership with each patient, stressing the importance of health education, along with an individualized approach. Don't continue to suffer from gallbladder problems.

Cholecystectomy - Laparoscopic and Open Surgery | Digestive General Surgery

Dr. Daniel Gay specializes in laparoscopic surgery, which makes the recovery process much easier for his patients. His extensive expertise in laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy has made him one of the top Boise surgeons for this procedure. Contact Dr. Daniel Gay today with any concerns you have about gallstone removal or to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Daniel Gay's Robotic Surgery YouTube Channel

See how the da Vinci Si platform assists Dr. Daniel Gay in his surgical procedures by checking out the YouTube videos below! Click on the thumbnail for any of the procedures listed below to be directed to a YouTube video for the procedure. Warning: Images may be graphic.

Patient Contact Form

We Accept All Major Insurance Carriers:

Blue Cross is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Regence is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Select Health is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Humana is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Medicare is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Medicaid is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Tricare is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Pacific Source is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD United Healthcare is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD Aetna is an accepted insurance at Dr. Daniel Gay, MD

This is a blank space, don't delete - need icons to populate on-page in order to work in the nav

 

Testimonials

Patient Testimonials

Rating
5.0
98
reviews
Jessy Davenport
I’m leaving this review on behalf of my mother, Novella (as she isn’t tech savvy). Here’s what she had to say: From the moment you walk in the door, you’re treated so kindly. The front desk staff knew me by name and would joke and interact with me every time I came in. Dr. Gay is phenomenal. He’s patient and explains well. I had to have surgery to remove a cyst and even the surgery center, Treasure Valley Hospital, experience was great. Not something people typically say but it was a pleasant surgery experience. I highly recommend!
Read more
Posted on
Google
Danny Cruz
DR.Daniel Gay was wonderful to work with after being referred to by my primary doctor from Pionner family medical DR.Ludwig. DR.Gay's personal office assistant was very informative with the steps I would be taking moving forward. My personal experience was great throughout my whole process.
Read more
Posted on
Google
Gina Wooddall
Daniel Gay one of the Best caring Hernia doctors. Awesome Doctor I had surgery Jan 8, 2024 he did such a amazing job so blessed to have him as my surgeon highly recommended Dr Daniel Gay the nurse staff Sara and Kim absolutely amazing to work with. I'm very pleased with the outcome. Daniel is so Kind and Very Respectful and cares deeply about his patients
Read more
Posted on
Google
Matthew Tracy
This surgeon needs protected at all costs! I needed emergency surgery on a Friday. Dr. Gay stayed late to perform the operation. I'll never forget his kindness and the respect he showed to a stranger in dire need. A rare breed indeed. Good men are hard to find. Thank you so much Dr. Gay!
Read more
Posted on
Google
chrystal Bourff
Greatest ever! Wonderful as fast and caring as Dr Gay was. He and all of his staff treated me with kindness and compassion. I have never been as happy to call him my Doctor!
Posted on
Google
D G
I just had the best hospital visit ever for a procedure. I had a large lipoma removed and had to go under general anesthesia for its removal because of its size and location. All of the staff at Capital Surgical Associates and Treasure Valley Hospital were the most courteous and pleasant health professionals I've dealt with. Dr. Gay was helpful in laying out what was going to be done while the recovery was extremely easy. The follow-up visit with him was helpful in explaining what had happened and what I needed to do going forward. I cannot imagine a better experience.
Read more
Posted on
Google
brett pendleton
Dr. Gay was great! I always saw him on my visit and not another provider. I had a lipoma on my back and it was one of the smoothest, easiest surgeries I've had. He's easy to talk to and his office staff are funny and to the point. You can tell he genuinely cares about his patients. Thanks Dr. Gay and staff!
Read more
Posted on
Google
Luke Folke
Dr. Gay did a great job on an inguinal hernia surgery for me a few weeks ago. I really appreciate his practical but caring approach, his respectful manner and his professionalism! His assistant Sarah is awesome! She worked really hard to keep the ball rolling for us and we are truly thankful for her diligence in getting me in, and communicating thoroughly through the whole thing! I am also grateful for the team at Treasure Valley Hospital and the great care I was given during my surgery! Thanks so much! -Luke Folke
Read more
Posted on
Google
Panel only seen by widget owner
Dr. Daniel Gay, Member of the Independent Doctors of Idaho