Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder Removal Surgery San Diego

Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder in order to provide a patient with permanent relief from gallstones or any issues associated with the gallbladder.

The gallbladder is responsible for the storing of bile, a fluid needed for the digestion of fats in food. Sometimes a blockage of gallstones can occur, causing the bile to accumulate, leading to a gallbladder attack.

Most people with gallstones never show any signs or symptoms. On the other hand, a blocked gallbladder can cause severe symptoms that require laparoscopic surgical treatment from a specialized doctor. Dr. Sunil Bhoyrul and Dr. Pascal Bortz have performed several thousand of gallbladder removal surgeries in San Diego, with remarkably low complication rates.

Symptoms of a Gallbladder Attack

Pain in the abdomen that lasts several hours
Nausea and vomiting
Fever or chills
Jaundice
Light-colored stools

*If you are experiencing the following symptoms, please consult your doctor immediately.

Risk Factors

Obesity
High-cholesterol diet
Rapid weight loss
Jaundice
Diabetes
Pregnancy
Being 60-years or older
Being a female

Gallbladder

Diagram of a gallbladder

Diagram of a gallbladder with gallbladder stones

Gallstones

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Gallbladder Surgery in San Diego

About the Procedure

Preparing for Surgery: The patient is expected to shower the night before or in the morning prior to surgery. As well as stop eating or drinking at the time provided by the doctor. The patient may also be instructed to stop taking certain medications. The doctor at Olde Del Mar Surgical will provide exact instructions tailored to each patient.

Recovery Time: Recovery time varies from patient to patient; however, it does take around two weeks to return to normal activities. If done during open surgery, a 3-5 day hospital stay is required, and the patient will be able to return to normal activities after 6-8 weeks.

Pain after surgery: Slight discomfort immediately after surgery is to be expected but should subside within 24 to 48 hours. Alleviating pain using medication will be instructed by the patients’ doctor at Olde Del Mar Surgical, but feel free to ice the incision point again, as instructed by your doctor.

Cholecystectomy at Olde Del Mar Surgical

Photo of a robotic surgery machine

If other treatment options fail to alleviate your symptoms, cholecystectomy may benefit you. Olde Del Mar’s Provider Team uses the most recent cosmetic advancement known as the da Vinci surgical system, which allows him to remove your gallbladder through one small incision in the belly button.

Gallbladder surgery typically takes less than an hour with patients spending up to one day in the hospital. The surgery takes about an hour to complete, with patients resuming to their normal activities within a few weeks.