What is the Gallbladder? When
is a Cholecystectomy performed?
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ positioned
under the liver in the upper right portion of the abdomen.
The function of the gallbladder is to store a digestive
fluid called bile that is made in the liver.
The most common conditions related to the gallbladder
are due to gallstones. Gallstones form when liquid bile
crystallizes into small “stones.” Gallstones can then
clog the main duct between the liver and the small intestine,
the Cystic Duct, which can cause it to swell. As a result
of this swelling and increase in pressure, patients with
gallstones may suffer from sharp abdominal pain, vomiting,
and indigestion. These symptoms can occur at different
times of the day, after meals, or in some cases they can
produce chronic, constant and sever pain. Without treatment,
these symptoms may worsen.
In some cases an adjustment in one’s diet can provide
adequate treatment for gallbladder problems. However,
when severe obstruction of the gallbladder occurs, a cholecystectomy
(removal of the gallbladder) may be the only option. Only
your physician can be sure what course of treatment is
right for your particular case.
How is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
performed?
In laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, surgeons use a device
called a laparoscope, a thin instrument containing a tiny
video camera, smaller than a blueberry, on the tip. The
laparoscope is inserted into the abdomen and using the
laparoscope’s video camera, the surgeon is able to view
the entire operative site on a monitor in the operating
room. To give the surgeon maximum visibility, a gas (carbon
dioxide) is inserted into the operative area. The surgeon
then performs the surgery using specialized surgical instruments
which are inserted into two or three small incisions near
the operative site. Because these incisions are so small,
they can be closed with a few stitches and surgical tape
and may become completely or nearly invisible a few months
post-operatively.
Why Laparoscopic?
___Four tiny scars instead
of one large abdominal scar.
___Shorter hospital stay
– you may leave the same day or the day after surgery.
__
Reduced post-operative pain.
___Shorter recovery time
– days instead of weeks – and quicker return to daily
activities, _____including
work
What can I expect after surgery?
Each patient’s response to laparoscopic surgery is unique,
and Dr. Rosser provides each of his patient’s with instructions
specific to their procedure. For most patients, recovery
time for the laparoscopic procedure can be days or weeks
shorter than the “open” method. Many people feel better
within days, although patients may not return to their
full pre-operative condition for a few weeks.
To make
an appointment with Dr. Rosser, please call 212-420-4337.
