Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder surgery treats pain and/or infection caused by gallstones or other gallbladder issues. At USMD Hospital at Arlington, the experienced general surgeons on the medical staff provide expert care for patients requiring gallbladder surgery, with a focus on advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques. Each patient receives personalized treatment for gallbladder issues.

What Is the Gallbladder and What is its Function?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located in the upper right portion of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. It essentially acts as a storage center for bile. Bile is a digestive fluid produced in the liver which helps break down fats during digestion. When you eat, the gallbladder contracts and releases bile into the small intestine (duodenum) through a system of ducts.

While the gallbladder plays a role in digestion, it’s not an essential organ. Many people live healthy, normal lives without a gallbladder. Surgery to remove the gallbladder is typically required when gallstones are causing pain or digestive problems.

What Is Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is commonly performed when the gallbladder becomes inflamed, infected, or obstructed—usually due to gallstones, medically known as cholelithiasis. Surgery is typically the only option for treating abdominal pain and/or infection caused by gallstones.

What are Gallstones?

Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder and block the ducts from the gallbladder, causing pain, inflammation, or infection. Gallstones come in a variety of sizes -- from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Some people develop just one gallstone; others may develop multiple gallstones. Symptoms occur when a gallstone lodges in a duct and causes a blockage. When inflammation occurs, is called cholecystitis—gallbladder inflammation. Symptoms may include:

• Sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the upper right abdomen or the center of the upper abdomen
• Back pain between the shoulder blades
• Pain in the right shoulder
• Nausea or vomiting after eating
• Bloating and digestive discomfort
• Fever (in more severe cases)

When gallstones cause symptoms, gallbladder removal surgery is usually the only effective treatment. A surgeon will make the decision to remove the gallbladder after considering the individual patient's symptoms, the results of diagnostic tests, and their overall health.

Although many people have gallstones, not all require surgery. Some people develop gallstones that do not cause any signs and symptoms. These typically do not require treatment.

What Causes Gallstones?

Gallstones may form if bile contains too much cholesterol, too much bilirubin, or not enough bile salts. Researchers do not fully understand why these changes in bile occur. Gallstones also may form if the gallbladder does not empty completely or often enough.

Some patients are more likely to develop gallstones than others because of risk factors such as obesity and certain kinds of dieting. Losing weight very quickly may also raise your chances of forming gallstones which can be seen commonly after bariatric surgery.

Risk factors for gallbladder issues include:

• Being female
• Age over 40
• Obesity or rapid weight loss
• Family history of gallstones
• A high-fat, low-fiber diet

How Is Gallbladder Surgery Performed?

Cholecystectomy is the most common form of gallbladder surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon locates the small duct that connects the gallbladder with larger bile ducts and clips that along with a small artery that leads onto the gallbladder. Then, the surgeon removes the gallbladder.

At USMD Hospital at Arlington, most gallbladder surgeries are performed laparoscopically or robotically. Both approaches are minimally invasive, requiring only four tiny incisions. That means faster recovery and less pain for most patients.

During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera (laparoscope) and uses specialized instruments to remove the gallbladder. The advantages of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery include:

• Smaller scars
• Shorter hospital stay (often same-day discharge)
• Reduced post-operative pain
• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of complications

Surgery in non-emergency situations typically takes less than 30 minutes.

When Is Open Gallbladder Surgery Required?

Although minimally invasive techniques are the gold standard, open gallbladder surgery—which involves a larger incision—is sometimes still necessary in complex or emergency situations. In emergency cases, the gallbladder may become so inflamed that the tissue can die. That distorts the normal anatomy and makes surgery more complicated. In such instances, the surgeon may need to adapt their approach, but open gallbladder surgery is usually not necessary.

Robotic vs. Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

USMD Hospital at Arlington offers both robotic and laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, depending on surgeon preference and patient needs. Both methods are safe and effective. Your surgeon will discuss the best option based on your health and surgical history.

Surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington remain at the forefront of innovative technologies and utilize advanced and minimally invasive techniques to perform gallbladder surgery for DFW patients. USMD Hospital at Arlington is home to five da Vinci Surgical Systems, a da Vinci 5 (DV5), the newest multiport robotic system. These systems have been used to perform more than 20,000 surgical procedures to date.

What to Expect from Gallbladder Surgery Recovery

Recovery from gallbladder removal is generally quick, especially with minimally invasive techniques. Most patients will experience some pain or soreness but can return to normal activities within one to two weeks.

Potential side effects during the recovery period include:

• Temporary loose stools or diarrhea
• Occasional bloating
• Mild incision site pain or discomfort

Typically, these post-operative symptoms improve over time as the body adjusts.

How Can I Prepare for My Gallbladder Surgery?

In short: Follow the instructions provided carefully. Once you’ve been scheduled for surgery, you will receive pre-op instructions designed specifically for your procedure. These differ with each type of procedure. Typically, you’ll be advised to stop drinking and eating for a specific amount of time. You may also require various blood tests, x-rays, or other procedures beforehand to ensure you receive optimal treatment.

How Long Will It Take to Heal from Gallbladder Surgery?

Healing time varies with the type of surgery performed and may be affected by your overall health situation before the surgery. Typically, recovery ranges from a few weeks to several months. The surgical team will discuss your post-op instructions with you on the day you’re discharged, including how long you can expect healing to take. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully, to ensure the best outcome and fastest possible recovery.

Is Gallbladder Surgery Covered by Insurance?

Most health plans typically cover medically necessary surgeries. However, depending on your specific policy, you could be responsible for some or all the cost. For planned, elective surgery, a member of the hospital’s business office team will review your insurance coverage with you before the surgery.

Patient-First Surgical Care

The general surgeons on the medical staff at USMD Hospital at Arlington work with their teams to ensure that patients who undergo gallbladder surgery are set up for success.

Patient-first surgical care means:

Your surgeon will explain your procedure to you in plain, patient-friendly language, to help you understand what the procedure involves.

You’ll understand why you need the procedure and what benefits or improvements you can expect to experience after the surgery.

You will know what to expect in terms of the procedure itself and how your recovery is likely to proceed.

Your questions will be answered in a timely manner and any concerns you have will be addressed.

What are the Benefits of Gallbladder Surgery?

Here are a few benefits of choosing gallbladder surgery at USMD Hospital at Arlington:

• Minimally invasive procedures: The surgeons on the medical staff are trained in minimally invasive techniques, including robotics and laparoscopic surgery, which result in smaller incisions, less scarring, and often faster recovery times for patients.
• Expert care: We are highly skilled and experienced in performing a wide range of procedures, ensuring that you receive expert care from start to finish.
• Comprehensive approach: General surgery involves more than just the surgical procedure itself. It begins with careful pre-operative care and continues with thorough post-operative care. The surgeons on the medical staff are dedicated to this comprehensive approach which helps set patients up for successful surgical outcomes.

Why Choose USMD Hospital at Arlington for Gallbladder Surgery?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gallbladder disease, it’s important to consult with a qualified general surgeon. At USMD Hospital at Arlington, surgeons on the medical staff follow a team approach to deliver high-quality care using the latest advancements in technology. That means patients receive:

• Expert evaluation and diagnosis using imaging like ultrasound
• Advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques
• Personalized, comprehensive care and patient education
• Streamlined recovery plans and ongoing support

Get Relief from Gallbladder Pain at USMD

Living with gallbladder pain can interfere with your daily life—but relief is possible. At USMD Hospital in Arlington, our surgeons on the medical staff will help you understand your options and take the next step toward healing.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or looking for a second opinion, we’re ready to help. From your initial consultation to your follow-up appointments, our goal is to ensure your comfort, safety, and full recovery.