Gallbladder Surgery Q & A

If you have gallstones and need to have your gallbladder removed, Joseph F. Popovich, MD, FACS, in Jersey City, New Jersey, can help. He’s one of the top surgeons in New Jersey and can remove your gallbladder laparoscopically or robotically to minimize your risk and reduce your recovery time. Call today or schedule a consultation using the online booking button.

What is the gallbladder?

Your gallbladder is a small organ that stores a fluid called bile, which helps digest fat. It sits below your liver and is connected to both your liver and small intestines.

You may not give your gallbladder much thought until you develop severe abdominal pain after eating a high-fat meal because your bile duct, the tube that carries bile from your gallbladder to your small intestines, is blocked by gallstones or hardened bile.

Why would I need my gallbladder removed?

You may need to have your gallbladder removed if you’re experiencing complications from your gallstones. Common reasons for gallbladder surgery, also referred to as cholecystectomy, include:

• Gallstones in the gallbladder or bile duct
• Gallbladder is inflamed
• Pancreatitis due to gallstones
  
  

Gallbladder surgery is very common and considered a low-risk surgery.

How is the gallbladder removed?

Dr. Popovich can remove your gallbladder laparoscopically or robotically assisted, which is an advanced surgical tool.

Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic removal of your gallbladder is the standard procedure. Dr. Popovich uses a laparoscope, which is a surgical telescope that he inserts through a small incision in your abdomen. The laparoscope transmits images of your gallbladder to a monitor.

Dr. Popovich then inserts his surgical tools through other incisions and removes your gallbladder using the images created by the laparoscope as his guide.

The procedure takes 1-2 hours, and you should be able to go home the same day.

Robot-assisted

Robot-assisted gallbladder removal is a new technique. During this procedure, Dr. Popovich can remove your gallbladder through one incision made in your bellybutton or through a few small incisions in your abdomen. Like the laparoscopic procedure, Dr. Popovich uses a camera to assist in the removal of your gallbladder, but he uses robotic tools — which he controls — to make your incisions.

Dr. Popovich determines the best method for removing your gallbladder after an examination and review of your medical history.

What happens after my gallbladder is removed?

While your gallbladder is an important part of your body, you can survive without it. However, because your gallbladder assists in the digestion of fat by providing bile when you need it, you may need to follow a low-fat diet to minimize indigestion and abdominal pain for a period of time while your body adapts.

If you need your gallbladder removed, call Dr. Popovich, the surgical expert, for a consultation. Or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.