Gallbladder/Gallstones Treated with Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mercy

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed minimally invasive procedures, and sometimes includes robotic surgery. Our expert surgeons at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery use this outpatient surgery to relieve gallstone problems. 

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Gallbladder Removal

About Gallstones
Gallbladder disease occurs when bile forms particles (gallstones) inside the gallbladder. Gallstones can be as tiny as grains of sand or as large as marbles. When gallstones block the flow of bile, the gallbladder becomes inflamed causing a gallbladder attack (acute cholecystitis). Attacks usually start soon after eating.
Symptoms & Diagnosis

You may have some or all of these symptoms of gallbladder disease:

  • Abdominal pain in the upper right side
  • Pain sometimes spreads to right shoulder blade and back
  • Pain is often severe, lasting several hours
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever

Your doctor may perform one or several of these tests to diagnose gallbladder disease:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Abdominal Ultrasound
  • Gallbladder Scan  (HIDA or DISIDA)
  • Oral Cholecystogram
Treatment Options for Gallstones

The best option for gallbladder disease is often surgical removal of the gallbladder. One acute attack greatly increases the chance of more attacks and possible complications later on.

The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery offers minimally invasive surgery as a safe and effective treatment for gallbladder disease. There is typically minimal discomfort, quick recovery and no visible scarring. Most patients go home the day of surgery or the next morning.

The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at Mercy provides minimally invasive surgical treatment options for a range of conditions including hernia, gallstones and bowel disease.