Gallbladder Surgery

What is gallbladder surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a procedure in which Dr. Kim removes your gallbladder. Your gallbladder contains bile, a fluid your liver produces and releases to the small intestine to aid digestion. 

A couple of problems can disrupt that process and cause symptoms leading to gallbladder removal. 

When might I need gallbladder surgery?

The main reason you might need gallbladder surgery is cholecystitis: inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis commonly happens when gallstones — hardened pieces of bile — block normal bile flow out of the gallbladder. Other issues, like bile duct problems and tumors, can also lead to cholecystitis.

Cholecystitis causes symptoms including: 

• Upper abdominal pain 
• Pain that radiates to your right shoulder or back
• Abdominal tenderness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever

Cholecystitis symptoms often happen after eating. Symptoms usually intensify after you eat fatty foods or large meals because that’s when you secrete the most bile. 

If cholecystitis isn’t treated, you could experience dangerous complications like gallbladder rupture. 

What is the process of gallbladder surgery?

Dr. Kim usually performs gallbladder surgery using minimally invasive surgery methods. He's known throughout Houston and the surrounding areas as an exemplary laparoscopic and robotic surgery specialist. 

With laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Kim creates fingertip-sized incisions and carries out the procedure using specialized surgical tools. In laparoscopic surgery, he performs the procedure, and in robotic surgery, he uses special controls to manipulate the robotic arms.

Gallbladder surgery is very straightforward, and the minimally invasive approach improves its accuracy and results even further. With minimally invasive surgery, you’ll experience less bleeding, smaller scars, fewer complications, and less time in the hospital. 

What can I expect after gallbladder surgery?

Your gallbladder isn’t an essential organ: It’s mainly there to help you process fatty foods. You may have some short-term issues like loose stools and bloating after you eat fatty or fried foods, but your body adjusts relatively quickly, and you’ll return to normal. 

Dr. Kim may recommend lightening the fatty and fried food for a few weeks after your surgery. 

Gallbladder surgery is a complete cure for cholecystitis, so your pain and tenderness are quickly removed after your procedure. 

If you’re having symptoms of gallstones, call Premier General & Colorectal Surgery or click on the online appointment feature to set up your gallbladder surgery consultation now.