Digital illustration of gallbladder

Cholecystectomy

A cholecystectomy (koh-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-me) is a surgical procedure to remove your gallbladder. For some people, undergoing a cholecystectomy helps relieve pain and discomfort, and improves their overall health and wellness. Learn how the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery in Plano, TX, performs ultra minimally invasive gallbladder removal.

About the Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ in your upper abdomen that collects and stores bile, a digestive fluid secreted by the liver. At times, hard deposits called gallstones can form, which can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as golf balls. Gallstones in your gallbladder or the bile ducts can cause mild discomfort to severe pain.

Gallstones rarely go away on their own and typically require surgery to remove. Gallbladder removal surgery is usually recommended when the stones cannot be broken up or dissolved using methods like oral medications, injections, or shock-wave therapy. Gallbladder surgery might also be required if your gallbladder no longer functions properly.

Gallstones diagram

What Are Gallstones? Common Patient Questions

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Gallstones are hardened deposits of waste products in the bile. There are two kinds of gallstones: the vast majority are comprised of cholesterol (80 percent), while the remainder are comprised of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Gallstones are more likely to develop in women than men. Other risk factors include being aged 40 or older, obesity, high-fat and/or high-cholesterol diets, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, and certain blood disorders.

Gallstones are more common than you may realize...

Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems

Common signs of gallbladder problems include:

  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Indigestion
  • Fever
  • Jaundice (yellow skin)

If you experience any of the above symptoms, be sure to speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of cholecystitis and other gallbladder conditions are crucial.

Schedule Your Gallbladder Surgery Screening Our Team Is Here to Help You

If you suffer from abdominal pain or any other symptoms associated with a gallbladder problem, Dr. A. Joseph Cribbins III can help. A board-certified surgeon, Dr. Cribbins brings two decades of experience and compassion to every patient who comes to the practice. The Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery uses state-of-the-art Da Vinci surgical system to shorten healing times and minimize post-operative discomfort.

For more information about laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to learn whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, contact the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery online or call our office in Plano, TX, at:

(214) 501-1333

The Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery team

5-Star Surgical Care "Dr. Cribbins Puts You at Ease"

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Eleasha Samuel

2021

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Dr. Cribbens and his staff were very professional and courteous! I felt as if I've known Dr. Cribbens for years! His bedside manner was amazing and he made me feel at ease, and also informed about my health care ❤

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ShaRhonda Taylor

2021

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Dr. Joe was so nice and knowledgeable and helpful. I am glad I contacted him because I feel I am in great hands. He answered all my questions and concerns. I’m ready for what’s next.

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A cholecystectomy is a relatively common surgical procedure...

Da Vinci Surgery Making Minimally Invasive Cholecystectomy Possible

The Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery is proud to offer the people of Plano, TX, a safer, more effective form of surgical care. The Da Vinci Xi® surgical system uses the latest robotic surgery technology, allowing Dr. Cribbins to perform an ultra-minimally invasive  cholecystectomy.

Working through a series of small incisions, Dr. Cribbins can manipulate fine surgical tools to remove the gallbladder and make any other necessary adjustments to surrounding organs.

Thanks to the Da Vinci Xi surgical system, there is no need for open surgery.

Da Vinci Xi® surgical system

Da Vinci Surgery Benefits Faster Healing & More

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Performing a Da Vinci minimally invasive cholecystectomy means a lower chance of human error, smaller incisions, reduced risk of surgical infection, faster healing times, more comfortable post-op recovery, and less noticeable scarring when patients are fully healed.

Make an Appointment for Screening Today Speak with an Experienced Surgeon

Dr. Cribbins can remove gallstones or your gallbladder, eliminating your abdominal pain and improving your overall quality of life. See the difference that an experienced surgeon using the latest technology can make. If you live in the Plano, TX, area and would like more information about a Da Vinci cholecystectomy, contact our practice online or call the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery at:

(214) 501-1333

"Knowledgeable and caring" Listening to the People of Plano, TX

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Deborah Wilson

2021

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Dr. Cribbins is the best!! He is so knowledgeable and caring and takes time to listen!! Not only did he remove my gallbladder 10 years ago, he also did my gastric sleeve surgery. Both surgeries were successful and done with little pain. Highly recommend Dr. Cribbins!!

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Roy Shinpaugh

2021

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Wonderful people, great nurses, awesome doctor!! It has been a pleasurable visit with each appointment. I feel the love and care from moment I step foot in the door. The explanations and conversations with Dr. Cribbins nearly always answers any questions that I may want to ask before I even think of one.

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Preparing for Gallbladder Surgery Pre-Op Instructions

Prior to gallbladder removal, patients are instructed to make certain preparations for surgery. This will help ensure the cholecystectomy is successful. Below are some general pre-op instructions. We'll provide more detailed information during your surgical consultation at our Plano, TX, practice.

Do Not Eat the Night Before Surgery

Patients should have an empty stomach heading into the surgical procedure. While sipping water to take pre-op medication is fine, patients should not eat or drink anything for up to eight hours before the cholecystectomy.

Avoid Certain Medications and Supplements

Blood thinners and other drugs or supplements increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Discuss any medication you're taking with Dr. Cribbins so he can let you know if you should stop taking them and for how long.

Arrange for Transportation and Company as You Recover

Be sure to have a loved one with you when you return home from the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. You will not be able to drive and you should focus mainly on resting during the crucial first days of surgical recovery.

Gallbladder Surgery
and Insurance Coverage

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Most insurance providers will cover the surgical removal of the gallbladder, especially in cases of cholecystitis and other health problems. The team at the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery can help file the insurance claim. We work carefully to help maximize all applicable coverage.

Dr. Cribbins in the operating room Dr. Cribbins in the operating room

The Cholecystectomy Procedure Gallbladder Surgery Step-by-Step

Da Vinci cholecystectomy takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Da Vinci cholecystectomy takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

Initial Consultation

During your initial consultation at our Plano, TX, practice, Dr. Cribbins will discuss your symptoms and go over the cholecystectomy procedure in full detail. He will answer all of your questions about the benefits and potential risks so you can make an informed decision about your health.

Administering General Anesthesia

A cholecystectomy is performed with the patient under the effects of general anesthesia. This reduces discomfort and anxiety during the procedure, and is better for patient safety and the entire surgical success.

Making Surgical Incisions

A Da Vinci cholecystectomy is performed through four small incisions strategically placed along the patient's abdomen. These small incisions allow Dr. Cribbins to insert Da Vinci surgical instruments and view any work performed with a camera.

Introducing Gas Into the Abdomen

Carbon dioxide gas is carefully introduced into the abdomen. This helps expand the abdominal cavity so that the gallbladder, bile ducts, and other surrounding organs are more visible and accessible.

Removing the Gallbladder

Working with small surgical tools, the gallbladder is carefully extracted and removed through one of the abdominal incisions. 

Finishing the Surgical Procedure

After completing any additional work, the carbon dioxide gas is released through the small abdominal incisions. The camera and surgical tools are removed, and the incision sites are sutured up. The entire Da Vinci cholecystectomy takes around 30-45 minutes to complete.

Our Team Cares About You "You won’t fall through the cracks or be forgotten"

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Tom Facemyer

2021

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I went in for my pre-op visit with Dr. Cribbins today and everything went smoothly. His staff treated me with respect and they answered all my questions thoroughly. I look forward to my procedure next week. Thank you, Dr. Cribbins and staff.

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Donna Elder

2021

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I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Cribbins! He is warm and very personable. He takes time to answer all of your questions and concerns thoughtfully. Barbara, his medical assistant, is very helpful. Returning all of my phone calls and providing follow up to me promptly and professionally. His entire staff is spectacular!! You will be treated like an individual here and not just another patient. You won’t fall through the cracks or be forgotten here. Highly recommend!

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Life after Gallbladder Removal

After a cholecystectomy, the Texas Center for Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery can advise patients on diet changes that can make life without a gallbladder easier.

After gallbladder removal, patients should limit their intake of fat, fiber, and caffeine. It's also recommended to try and eat smaller portions several times a day. Both of these adjustments will help address changes in the way bile is released into the digestive tract.

In the months after gallbladder surgery, be mindful of any foods that cause stomach pain or indigestion, and adjust your diet as needed. Paying attention to what you eat and how it affects you is crucial for the years ahead.

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Dr Joe Cribbins and Dr Edmund Chen award winning robotic weight loss surgeons dallas fort worth texas changing lives with bariatric surgery

Texas Center for
Bariatrics & Advanced Surgery

Our highly skilled and experienced board-certified surgeons specialize in ultra-minimally invasive general and bariatric surgery. They are affiliated with a number of national associations, including the:

  • American Board of Surgery
  • American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
  • American College of Surgeons (ACS)
  • Fellow American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (FASMBS)

To request a consultation, contact us online or call (214) 501-1333 today.

Contact Us Today

This contact form is for appointments only.
For more information or medical concerns, you can reach our office at (214) 501-1333.
If this is a medical emergency, please call 911.

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