Cholecystectomy
A cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, most commonly performed to treat gallstones, gallbladder attacks, acute or chronic cholecystitis, and other gallbladder disorders. Using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques, the procedure is performed through several small incisions, allowing for less pain, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few weeks. At our practice, we provide personalized, evidence-based care to help patients throughout the Inland Empire find lasting relief from gallbladder pain and digestive symptoms.
Not all gallstones require treatment. Many people have gallstones that never cause symptoms. Surgery is generally recommended when gallstones cause pain, inflammation, infection, pancreatitis, or other complications.
How Is Gallbladder Surgery Performed?
Gallbladder removal, also called a cholecystectomy, is a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anesthesia, so you will be completely asleep and feel no pain during surgery.Your surgeon makes 3–4 small incisions in the abdomen and gently inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas to create space to safely operate. A small camera and specialized instruments are inserted through these incisions to carefully separate and remove the gallbladder while protecting the surrounding bile ducts and blood vessels.Before completing the operation, your surgeon may perform an intraoperative cholangiogram (an X-ray of the bile ducts) or use indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to better visualize the anatomy and reduce the risk of bile duct injury when appropriate.Once the gallbladder is removed, the instruments are taken out, the small incisions are closed, and you are taken to the recovery area. Most patients go home the same day and can begin walking within a few hours after surgery.
