Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder is located under the liver and is used to store the bile that the liver produces to aid in the digestion of fats. When the flow of bile from the gallbladder becomes obstructed, gallbladder disease may develop. The symptoms of gallbladder disease may include abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and other symptoms.

Whereas traditional “open” gall bladder surgery typically involves a five- to eight-inch long incision, laparoscopic gallbladder removal entails several smaller incisions. During laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery at our San Diego-area practice, one of our skilled surgeons inserts a laparoscope, a thin tube attached to a tiny scope or camera, through one of these incisions. The laparoscope allows him a clear view of the internal organs. Special tools are then inserted through the other incisions and used to remove the gallbladder

Citation: Web. 29 Dec. 2010. < http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/68635/The-gallbladder-and-bile-ducts-in-situ >.