Gallbladder Surgery at Swedish Hospital
Swedish Hospital offers minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gallbladder polyps, gallstones and biliary dyskinesia.
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-293-8878.
Gallbladder Polyps
Gallbladder polyps refer to small growths in the lining of the inner wall of the gallbladder. There are a variety of polyp types. While most are small and benign (posing little or no risk to the patient), a few types of polyps have the potential to turn cancerous in the future, especially if they are large or growing.
How are Gallbladder Polyps Diagnosed?
Gallbladder polyps are diagnosed through noninvasive imaging exams such as an ultrasound. Because polyps often do not cause symptoms, it is common for patients to be diagnosed with gallbladder polyps when undergoing testing for different or routine reasons.
When Should Gallbladder Polyps Be Removed?
While most gallbladder polyps are not cancerous, they will still need to be monitored regularly. Your physician may recommend surgery to address the polyp for the following reasons:
- The polyp is causing symptoms
- The polyp is larger than 1 cm
- The polyp has grown since your last visit
How are Gallbladder Polyps Removed?
Surgery for gallbladder polyps is an outpatient and minimally invasive procedure, with patients often being able to go home that same day. It involves removing the gallbladder which contains the polyps. Your surgeon will perform the procedure through small incisions using a surgical camera to access the area.
Because patients will receive general anesthesia during the surgery, someone will need to help escort you home following your procedure.
Gallstones
Gallstones differ from gallbladder polyps in that they are not growths within the lining of the gallbladder, but instead are stones formed from the hardening of certain substances within the gallbladder or bile duct.
Who Needs Gallstone Surgery?
Surgery is indicated for anyone with symptoms due to the gallstones. Large and/or traveling gallstones may lead to infection and may need more urgent surgical intervention.
Individuals in need of gallstone surgery meet the following criteria:
- Associated symptoms such as abdominal pain or nausea
Can You Pass Gallstones Without Surgery?
Stones that travel or pass on their own can cause blockages along the way or infection or other complications, therefore surgery is needed to remove any stones located within the gallbladder.
Gallstone Surgery and Recovery
Gallstone surgery requires general anesthesia. During the surgery, the gallbladder will be completely removed.
You can walk and perform your normal day-to-day activities right after surgery. You may be sore for about two to four weeks, with light activities recommended so as to not cause any further discomfort.
Biliary Dyskinesia
Biliary dyskinesia (also known as acalculous cholecystopathy) is a condition that causes recurrent pain in the right upper abdomen when no gallstones are present.
Surgery for Biliary Dyskinesia
Removal of the gallbladder can help relieve, improve or eliminate the abdominal pain associated with biliary dyskinesia.
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
Surgery for the removal of the gallbladder is called cholecystectomy. The gallbladder can often be removed through minimally invasive procedures, utilizing a camera and small incisions. In cases in which this is not possible, open surgery can also be performed.
Reasons for gallbladder removal might include gallbladder polyps, gallstones and/or biliary dyskinesia.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Surgery
Most gallbladder removal surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, with patients going home the same day as the procedure. Patients will be put under general anesthesia and will need to have someone assist them in getting home.
There are a few exceptions that may require a longer hospital stay, including the health and other medical conditions of the patient, as well as whether they have gallbladder or gallstone complications that may require a longer recovery or more monitoring.
Recovering from Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal will typically result in soreness for approximately two weeks after surgery. It is recommended that patients return to light activity as soon as possible, as staying active helps speed up the recovery process.
Side effects of surgery may include watery stool, which should improve with time. There are no dietary restrictions after surgery.
Contact Us
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-293-8878.
