Cholecystectomy
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.
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...
Why Gallbladder Removal Is Necessary Common Reasons for Gallbladder Surgery
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Asymptomatic gallstones do not require treatment, but gallstones that cause discomfort need to be operated on. The stones may develop in the gallbladder itself (cholelithiasis) or in the bile ducts (choledocholithiasis), or may contribute to pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis).
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Also known as cholecystitis (ko-luh-sis-TIE-tis), gallbladder inflammation may be the result of gallstones causing excessive bile buildup. Other causes of cholecystitis include systemic infections, polyps, tumors, or problems with normal function of the bile ducts.
Gallbladder cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth. Early detection is key, yet symptoms of gallbladder cancer may not manifest until later stages of the disease. This is why even mild abdominal pain or digestion issues should be discussed with your doctor.
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 and Dr. Edmund Chen can help. As board-certified surgeons, Drs. Cribbins and Chen bring 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 DAVINCI minimally invasive 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
5-Star Surgical Care "Dr. Cribbins Puts You at Ease"
Eleasha Samuel
2021
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 ❤
View On GoogleKarter Nowell
Plano, TX
2024
I had the most wonderful experience with Dr. Chen! I had my gallbladder removed by him a few days ago and the overall experience was wonderful from consultation to surgery. He listened to my concerns especially being two months postpartum from a C-section and easing my anxiety. If I could rate higher than 5 stars I would!
View on GoogleA 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 Drs. Cribbins and Chen to perform an ultra-minimally invasive cholecystectomy.
Working through a series of small incisions, Drs. Cribbins and Chen 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 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 and Dr. Chen 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
Deborah Wilson
2021
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
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.
View On GooglePreparing 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 robotic DAVINCI 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.
The Cholecystectomy Procedure Gallbladder Surgery Step-by-Step
Da Vinci cholecystectomy takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
Our Team Cares About You "You won’t fall through the cracks or be forgotten"
Tom Facemyer
2021
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
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!
View On GoogleLife 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.
