Why do we remove the gallbladder?
What is a Gallbladder Removal.
Robotic Gallbladder Removal
Gallbladder Removal Advantages of Robotic Surgery.
Preparing for Surgery
Pre Surgery Instructions
Post Surgical Care
Post Operative Care After Gallbladder Surgery
Why Do We Remove the Gallbladder?
The gallbladder is an organ that sits on the liver and helps to digest oily and fatty foods. The gallbladder can form stones that can get stuck along the bile duct and cause pain or infections. Unfortunately, there’s no way to just remove the stones but most people have no issues after their gallbladder is surgically removed.
Robotic Gallbladder Removal
Sometimes, if stones get caught into the common bile duct it can cause yellowing of the skin called jaundice. Or if the stone gets stuck near the pancreas it can also cause pancreatitis. If any of these things occurs, it is important to remove the gallbladder along with the stones inside to prevent this from occurring again.
Preparing for Surgery
- Stop taking any blood thinners before surgery & make sure to inform your scheduler if you are on any.
- Absolutely no food or drink after midnight on the day of your surgery.
- Please arrive approximately 1 hour before your surgery time.
- On the day of surgery, have someone responsible who can drive you to & from your surgery & accompany you home afterwards.
- You will not be permitted to drive after anesthesia for up to 24 hours.
- Bring your photo ID & insurance card if you have one.
- After paperwork is completed, an IV will be started & you will meet in the preoperative area to go over your surgery again in detail.
Post Surgical Care
1. Wound Care
- Wash the area twice a day with soap and water and pat it dry.
- Do not soak in a bath or a hot tub or a pool for at least 14 days.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry between your showers.
- You may cover it with dry gauze if it weeps or rubs against your clothing.
2. Activities & Lifestyle
- Eat light meals after surgery and avoid fatty foods initially as they may cause some diarrhea as your body is ready to absorb fats without the gallbladder.
- Avoid heavy lifting no more than 10 to 15 pounds for the first two weeks. Lifting in excess can lead to re-injury, additional swelling, or an increase in your pain level.
- You can use the stairs and even take short walks. Try to gradually increase your walking distance daily and stop before you become exhausted.
3. Medicines
- Patients have experienced much less pain postoperatively using robotic techniques.
- Patients take one gram of Tylenol every 6 hours around the clock along with ibuprofen 800 milligrams every 6 hours around the clock for 3 days.
- Less than 5% of our patients will need anything more than Tylenol and ibuprofen.
- Patients should not drive while taking narcotic pain medication.