What to Expect in Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery | El Paso TX

Often patients experience symptoms that require laparoscopic gallbladder surgery to remove their gallbladder. Dr. Clapp works directly with patients to determine if surgery is best for them and what they can expect throughout the experience.

During Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is done to get rid of gallbladder and gallstones through a lot of little incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon in charge of this operation enlarges your abdomen with carbon dioxide or air to view the operation area properly.

The surgeon fixes a scope that is lighted on a video camera (laparoscope) which is inserted into one incision close to the belly button. The surgeon then uses a video monitor as a guide while inserting surgical instruments into the other incisions in order to be able to remove your gallbladder.

After Surgery

After surgery, you could be required to stay in the hospital for about a day or two. While for some patients it could take up to a week to 10 days before they can get back on their feet as they are likely to be very sore after having laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. But will be back on their feet faster than people who have open surgery. No special diets are required after surgery.

How Well It Works

Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a very effective and safe method for the removal of gallstones that are found in the gallbladder. It can’t be used in removing stones that are found in the common bile duct. There is the possibility that gallstones can be formed in the common bile duct a couple of years after the gallbladder has been removed, although a case like this is rare.