Various gallbladder complications can be especially concerning and painful, such as gallstones, tumors, polyps, and infection. At South Shore Surgical in Valley Stream, New York, highly qualified and respected surgeon Ira Klonsky, MD, provides both traditional and advanced laparoscopic gallbladder surgery and exceptional care for gallbladder diseases and complications. Book your personal consultation online or call South Shore Surgical today.
request an appointmentWhat is the gallbladder?
Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped structure under your liver on the right side of your abdomen. The main function of your gallbladder is to store and concentrate bile — a digestive enzyme produced by your liver. The bile helps in digesting food and breaking up fats.
What are some of the complications of the gallbladder?
Gallstones are the main complication of the gallbladder. They develop usually due to factors like excess cholesterol or bile salts and the crystallization of bile.
Gallstones in the bladder can escape down the ducts and block the drainage of the liver or pancreas, leading to gallstone pancreatitis.
Other complications of the gallbladder are infection; tumors or polyps; and gallbladder dysfunction when the gallbladder doesn’t empty properly to assist with digestion.
Why would I need gallbladder surgery?
The most common way to treat various gallbladder-related complications, such as gallstones, is often a cholecystectomy — a surgery to remove the gallbladder. Surgery can prevent the escape of future stones from the gallbladder and treat infection and pain. Dr. Klonsky might also recommend surgery to remove tumors or polyps in the gallbladder.
Dr. Klonsky provides laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery using advanced technology and tools, cameras, and smaller incisions. Laparoscopic surgery allows you to have a faster and smoother recovery.
Typically, you can go home the same day of your surgery or the following day. Most people are able to return to work within seven days of a laparoscopic procedure and resume most normal activities within 4-6 weeks.
How is laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery performed?
Minimally invasive laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Klonsky uses a cannula to enter the abdomen in the area around your belly button, and through the cannula, he inserts a laparoscope (a tiny surgical telescope) connected to a specialized camera. This gives Dr. Klonsky a magnified view of your internal organs on a video screen.
Dr. Klonsky uses other cannulas and special tools to delicately and carefully separate your gallbladder from its attachments and remove it through one of the openings.
When necessary, Dr. Klonsky uses quality X-ray technology (cholangiogram) to identify any stones that might be located in the bile channels. Any stones might need to be removed with a special scope, a traditional open surgery, or with a second procedure at a later date. To complete your surgery, Dr. Klonsky closes the small incisions with stitches or surgical tape.
Protect your health with the highest standard of care by calling South Shore Surgical, or you can use the online scheduling tool.