Candela and Schreier Surgical
Surgical Oncologists & Robotic Surgery Specialists located in West Hills, CA & Thousand Oaks, CA, serving the San Fernando Valley
If you need gallbladder removal, finding the right specialist can make the experience far less stressful. At West Valley Surgeons, in West Hills and Thousand Oaks, California, while also serving the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Frank Candela and Dr. David Schreier have helped hundreds of patients with gallbladder removal. If you’d like to learn more about the process, book an appointment for a face-to-face consultation today. You can set up your appointment online or call to check availability.
Gallbladder Removal Q & A
Your gallbladder is a small organ found just under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. It acts as a storage area for bile, which helps your body absorb fat from the food you eat. Bile is produced by your liver, so having your gallbladder removed does not inhibit normal bodily function.
If you need to have your gallbladder removed your bile will simply travel from your liver to your small intestine without being stored and concentrated in your gallbladder.
There are several conditions that can lead to the need for gallbladder removal, including:
- Gallstones in your gallbladder
- Gallstones in your bile duct
- Pancreatic inflammation
- Gallbladder inflammation
- Gallbladder cancer
Gallbladder removal, also called cholecystectomy, is a common and relatively simple surgery.
Your specialist will give you instructions tailored to your unique set of needs. In general, you can expect to:
- Refrain from eating or drinking in the hours leading up to your procedure
- Drink a special solution the days before your surgery to clear your intestines
- Pause certain supplements and medications that increase your risk of bleeding
It’s also helpful to find a friend or family member to assist you for a day or two after your surgery. While most gallbladder removal procedures allow you to go home afterward, complications could require an overnight hospital stay.
Most gallbladder removals are done with a laparoscope, a small tube equipped with a light and camera. Your surgeon is able to see your gallbladder and surrounding tissues on a monitor during the procedure.
Very slim surgical tools are used to complete the surgery, and only a few tiny incisions are necessary. You’ll rest comfortably during the procedure. Recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy usually takes about a week.
Some gallbladder removals are done via open surgery. Your surgeon makes an incision on your abdomen around 6 inches in length to access your gallbladder, then stitches the incision closed. You may need 4-6 weeks to fully recover from an open cholecystectomy.
To schedule your gallbladder removal, or if you have any lingering questions or concerns, book a visit with Candela and Schreier Medical Corporation online or by phone.
