LAPAROSCOPIC
GALLBLADDER REMOVAL

(LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY)

GARTH H. BALLANTYNE, M.D., M.B.A.
F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S.

BOARD CERTIFIED IN:
GENERAL SURGERY & COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

OFFICE: 4 Shaw's Cove, New London, CT 06320

Surgeon in Chief
Practice Limited to Laparoscopic & Bariatric Surgery
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
New London, CT 06320

PRACTICE LIMITED TO LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY

CONTACT US AT:
1-860-444-7675

This page last updated: September 11, 2010 11:49 AM

HOME	CENTER (CALS)	GERD (REFLUX)	Rx OF GERD	NISSEN FUNDO
Dr BALLANTYNE	LAPAROSCOPY	COLECTOMY	HERNIA REPAIR	ALT MEDICINE

Gallbladder removal -known to physicians as cholecystectomy (Ko le sis TEK to me) - is a relatively straightforward and commonly performed surgical procedure. Until recently, however, the surgery required a six- to nine-inch incision and a weeklong stay in the hospital, followed by four to six weeks of recovery at home. Healing of the surgical incision could entail considerable pain.

Today, gallbladder surgery can be performed by laparoscopy, a minimally invasive technique not requiring a large incision. Patients usually return home on the morning following surgery, and they can resume their normal routine within a week. With laparoscopy, patients lose less blood during surgery, and they experience far less pain.

At the Center for Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, cholecystectomy patients benefit from the latest laparoscopic technology, including three dimensional imaging equipment and the most advanced ultrasound instruments in use anywhere.

TREATING GALLBLADDER PROBLEMS

Gallbladder problems are usually caused by gallstones, which are small hard masses that form in the gallbladder or in the bile duct. These stones may block the flow of bile, a digestive agent produced by the liver. As a result, the gallbladder may swell, causing sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, and indigestion.

Some gallstones can be treated with drugs or managed by changing one's diet, particularly by eliminating fat. When these options fail, however, removing the gallbladder becomes necessary. After removal, bile will continue to flow from the liver to the small intestine, but it will no longer be stored in the gallbladder.

BEFORE SURGERY:

Virtually all patients needing cholecystectomy are candidates for laparoscopic surgery. Before recommending minimally invasive surgery, however, Dr. Ballantyne will carefully review your condition. If laparoscopy is appropriate, Dr. Ballantyne will discuss the benefits, risks, and complications of the procedure

Once the operation is scheduled, a physician at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center-or your personal physician-will evaluate your health and perform routine blood tests. You will also meet with an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist before the operation.

You will be admitted to the hospital on the morning of your procedure. Because laparoscopic gallbladder removal is performed under general anesthesia, you cannot eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your surgery.

THE LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY PROCEDURE:

The first step in laparoscopic gallbladder removal is the insertion into the abdomen of four trocars, narrow tube-like instruments that require only very small surgical incisions. Into one trocar, Dr. Ballantyne inserts a laparoscope, which is a telescopic videocamera that provides magnified and dramatically enhanced views of internal organs. Other surgical instruments are inserted through the other trocars.

During surgery, the common bile duct and artery at the base of the gallbladder are severed from the liver using electronic instruments, then sealed. The surgeon empties the gallbladder of its contents and draws it out through one of the incisions. The incisions are then closed with surgical tape or stitches.

YOUR RECOVERY:

Immediately after surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room. In the hours following the operation, you will experience some pain from the small incisions made to permit insertion of the trocars. Under normal circumstances, you will be able to return home the next day.

At home, you will be able to take care of yourself and enjoy your regular diet. In as few as three or four days, you can return to your normal routine, including work. If you exercise, you can also resume a fitness program and sports competition.

After a few months, the surgical incisions will be barely visible.

MORE INFORMATION:
CALL 1-860-444-7675
or browse these other pages:

GARTH H. BALLANTYNE, M.D. - BACKGROUND AND TRAINING Dr. Ballantyne's background, training, academic career and clinical experience are outlined. In addition a full list of his PUBLICATIONS and LECTURES are inluded on linked web pages. Finally, the INSURANCE PLANS in which Dr. Ballantyne participates are indicated on another linked page.

LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY - A new type of surgery that decreases the size of incisions used by surgeons that causes less pain and speeds recovery compared to traditionsl surgical techniques. It is also called Keyhole Surgery, Band Aid Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery

AN OVERVIEW OF LAPAROSCOPIC GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY - Results and complications of diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy are regiewed. Topics include esophageal, gastric, hepatobiliary, small bowel and colorectal laparoscopic surgery procedures.

LAPAROSCOPIC COLECTOMY - Laparoscopic removal of a part of the colon for diverticulitis, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal cancer, Crohn's Disease, Chronic Ulcerative Colitis, rectal prolapse, volvulus, sigmoid volvulus, cecal volvulus or constipation.

LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY - Surgical removal of the gallbladder for gallstones, cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, biliary colic or common bile duct stones.

LAPAROSCOPIC INGUINAL HERNIA REPAIR - Surgical repair of inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, double hernia, recurrent hernia, groin hernia, indirect hernia or direct hernia.

GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD) - Hiatal hernia, heartburn, acid reflux, Barrett's esophagus, reflux esophagitis, or esophageal stricture.

THERAPY OF GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE - Treatment of hiatal hernia, heartburn, acid reflux, reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus or esophageal stricture.

SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GASTRO-ESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE - Selection of patients and selection of a surgeon for Laparocopic Nissen Fundoplication.

LAPAROSCOPIC NISSEN FUNDOPLICATION - Surgical repair of a hiatal hernia, acid reflux or heartburn.

WHICH IS ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE? TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE, MODERN EXPERIMETAL MEDICINE or LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY.

LAPAROSCOPIC GALLBLADDER REMOVAL