Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy) Surgery in Merced, CA
Cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the gallbladder. If you have gallstones in your gallbladder, bile duct, or inflammation in the pancreas, visit Dr. Alfred Johnson MD in Merced, CA. Dr. Johnson has completed his bachelor’s in nutrition from the University of California, and did his medical degree from Georgetown University. He has received additional fellowship training in Laparoscopic/MIS surgery from Emory University. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341.


Table of Contents:
When is gallbladder removal necessary?
Is laparoscopic cholecystectomy a major surgery?
What to expect after laparoscopic gallbladder removal?
Is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery serious?
How long does laparoscopic gallbladder surgery take?
Gallbladder removal, also known as cholecystectomy, is a surgical procedure that is typically recommended when a person has gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. The most common reasons for gallbladder removal include:
● Gallstones – Hardened deposits of bile that can form in the gallbladder are known as gallstones. They can cause pain, inflammation, and blockages in the bile ducts.
● Cholecystitis – Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder that can occur due to the presence of gallstones or other causes. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If the inflammation is severe or recurrent, surgery may be recommended to remove the gallbladder.
● Gallbladder polyps – Polyps are non-cancerous growths that can form in the gallbladder. If a polyp is found to be large or precancerous, cholecystectomy may be recommended.
● Cancer of the gallbladder – Gallbladder cancer is a rare form of cancer, but if it’s found it’s recommended to receive a cholecystectomy.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. It is typically considered a less invasive and less risky procedure than traditional open surgery. Recovery time is usually shorter and the risks of complications are generally lower. However, it is still a surgical procedure and should be treated with the same care and attention as any other surgery.
After laparoscopic gallbladder removal, you can expect to experience some pain and discomfort in the area of the incisions. Your surgeon will provide you with painkillers to help with the discomfort. You may also experience some nausea and vomiting as a result of the anesthesia. These symptoms are normal and should subside in a couple of days. You may also experience some diarrhea or constipation as a result of the surgery. Your body will take some time to adjust to the absence of the gallbladder, which is normal.
You will need to rest for a few days after the surgery, and you should avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous activities. You will also need to follow a special diet for a period of time to help your body heal.
Most people are able to return to work or normal activities within a week or two, but recovery time can vary. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and to contact them if you have any concerns or if your pain or discomfort persists. You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon in a few weeks after the surgery, to check your recovery progress, and to discuss any issues or concerns that you may have.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a common and generally safe procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are both benefits and risks. The main risks associated with laparoscopic gallbladder surgery include infection, bleeding, and injury to nearby organs. The risk of these complications is low, and most people who have the surgery experience no complications at all.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your surgeon and to closely follow their instructions before and after the surgery to minimize your risk of complications. Gallbladder surgery is considered serious, but laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery, making it less serious.
The duration of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery can vary depending on various factors such as the patient’s health condition, the complexity of the surgery, and the surgeon’s experience. However, on average, the surgery typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make several small incisions in the abdomen and insert a laparoscope, which is a small camera, to view the inside of the abdomen. The surgeon will then use specialized instruments to remove the gallbladder. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so the patient will be asleep during the surgery.
Once the surgery is complete, the patient will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored until they wake up from the anesthesia. The recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients are able to return home within a day or two after the surgery. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.
