Gallbladder Surgery and Gallstone Relief at Glacial Ridge Health System

Innovative surgery. Fast recovery. Heartfelt care.

Need gallstone relief? We can help. At Glacial Ridge Health System, our surgeons perform gallbladder surgery utilizing both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques.

How do I know if I have gallstones?

You may be suffering from gallstones if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

  • Pain or tenderness in the upper right portion of your abdomen
  • Pain after eating
  • Pain in your right shoulder
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin)

Do all gallstones require surgery?

Not all gallstones require surgery. If gallstones are small and not causing symptoms, no treatment may be needed. There are non-surgical treatments for gallstones that can remove or break them up without removing the gallbladder. However, when gallstones lead to persistent pain or complications, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is often the best long-term solution to improve quality of life.

When is gallbladder removal needed?

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is a common procedure recommended when gallstones or other gallbladder conditions cause ongoing problems. Symptoms that may indicate the need for gallbladder removal include:

  • Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen, sometimes radiating to the back or shoulder
  • Nausea or vomiting after meals, especially after eating fatty foods
  • Blocked bile ducts causing jaundice or digestive issues
  • Fever and chills, which may indicate inflammation or infection in the gallbladder (cholecystitis)
  • Weight loss
  • Chronic indigestion, bloating, heartburn, or gas
  • Dark urine or lighter stools
  • Pancreatitis caused by gallstones
  • Symptoms that don’t improve with dietary changes or medication

If left untreated, gallbladder issues can lead to serious complications. Minimally invasive gallbladder removal, including laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery, offers less pain, fewer complications, reduced scarring, and a faster recovery.

How can Glacial Ridge Health System help?

Glacial Ridge Health System’s highly skilled surgeons can help you find relief by surgically removing your gallbladder or gallstones. Gallbladder surgery at Glacial Ridge Center for Surgical Care is performed using minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, as an outpatient procedure in one of our state-of-the-art operating rooms. Surgery generally lasts two hours or less, and patients typically go home the same day.

How long is recovery?

Recovery time is fast, with patients getting back to their normal activities usually within two weeks of the procedure.

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