Cholecystectomy in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is a cholecystectomy?
The gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ under the liver on the right side, stores bile that is produced by the liver, in order to digest fat. Once food enters the small intestine, cholecystokinin is released, signaling the gallbladder to contract and release bile through the bile duct and into the small intestine.
While the gallbladder helps with digestion, it's not actually an essential part of the body. Bile can get to the small intestine other ways aside through the gallbladder. For that reason, the gallbladder is safe to remove in certain circumstances. Many people experience gallbladder problems such as gallstones and cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). In cases where the gallbladder needs to be removed, our providers may suggest a cholecystectomy. This is an effective way to treat gallbladder diseases, as well as gallstones.
For more information on gallbladder issues and cholecystectomy in Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, or Normal, IL, contact your nearest GI Alliance of Illinois location to request a consultation.
What happens during a procedure?
There are two methods that can be used to remove the gallbladder.
Open cholecystectomy
An open cholecystectomy involves making a 5 – 7-inch incision in the upper right of the abdomen, just below the ribs. From there, the gallbladder can be removed.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a less invasive method. After making a 3 – 4-inch incision, we will use a laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, to guide our team while we insert surgical tools through the incision. We will use air or carbon dioxide to inflate the abdominal cavity, so we can better see. From there, we will cut the bile duct and blood vessels in front of the gallbladder, then remove the gallbladder.
Additionally, we may use a cholangiogram (a procedure utilizing an x-ray machine and dye inside the body) to get a better view of the bile ducts. This can help us identify any gallstones that were missed, other obstructions, or any narrowing in the bile ducts. If there are any gallstones, we will remove them at this time.
For more information on these two gallbladder removal surgeries, contact your nearest Illinois location.
What is post-operative care like after removal?
After your cholecystectomy, you can go home after recovering from the anesthesia. After about 24 hours you can return to your normal everyday activities, with work following about a week later and exercise following a few weeks after that.
Gallbladder removal is generally a pretty safe procedure. However, like every other surgery, there are some risks and complications associated with it. These include bleeding, infection, damage to the bowel or large blood vessels, and more. Our team does everything possible to try and avoid these complications.
Gallbladder Removal in Illinois
If you or a loved one is experiencing gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or another gallbladder disease, it may be time to think about gallbladder removal. At GI Alliance of Illinois, our team of dedicated GI providers can help you decide if cholecystectomy is the right choice for you. This minimally invasive gallbladder removal surgery can help you find relief. For more information or to request a consultation, contact your nearest Illinois location.
What are the advantages of a cholecystectomy?
Cholecystectomy is considered to be a more effective treatment option when compared to other surgical options. Some advantages of this procedure include:
- Shorter hospital stay
- Smaller incisions
- Less pain post-op
- Faster recovery
To find out if you are a candidate for this gallbladder removal surgery, contact GI Alliance of Illinois to meet with a GI specialist.
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