Biliary / Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder Removal

The gallbladder is the pear-shaped organ located under the liver that collects and releases bile after eating to help in the digestion process. When the amount of bile and chemicals inside the gallbladder are imbalanced, gallstones may develop and irritate the lining of the bladder. Gallstones are small deposits of cholesterol or calcium salts that form when bile hardens into a stone-like material.

Patients with gallstones often experience indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever, while others may not experience any symptoms from this condition. If left untreated, gallstones can lead to biliary colic, pancreatitis and other serious complications. Gallstones are treated with surgery to remove the gallbladder, which is not necessary for proper body functioning. This procedure is called a cholecystectomy and can usually be performed laparoscopically.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves making several small incisions rather than one large incision to remove the gallbladder. A laparoscope and small surgical instruments are inserted into these incisions to remove the gallbladder, which is taken out through one of the same incisions.

With laparoscopy, patients can return to work more quickly after surgery and have less pain and scarring as well. Most patients can return home the same day.

Risks of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

While laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe for most patients, there are certain risks associated with any surgical procedure. Some of these risks may include bleeding, infection, injury to the bile duct, bile leak or injury to the intestines. The risk for any of these is <1%.

Biliary Conditions

Many patients with gallstones and other bile duct disorders often develop disorders within the biliary tract as well, including bile duct stones and biliary obstruction. These conditions can cause upper abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms, and may lead to serious complications if left untreated. These conditions can frequently be treated laparoscopically.

Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS)

A new and innovative approach to laparoscopic surgery, SILS differs from traditional laparoscopic surgery in that only one small incision is made, usually at the umbilicus. Our surgeons are the only ones offering this approach in downtown Orlando.

Spleen

The spleen is a small organ lying adjacent to the upper part of the stomach. It functions in the immune response and as a filter to recycle red blood cells and platelets that function in the clotting mechanism.

Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) is often performed for certain anemias, thrombocytopenia (a condition in which there are too few platelets) and myeloproliferative disorders such as Hodgkins Disease.

Splenectomy is frequently performed laparoscopically, allowing for a shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.