LAPAROSCOPIC
GALLBLADDER REMOVAL
(LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY)
GARTH H. BALLANTYNE, M.D.
F.A.C.S., F.A.S.C.R.S.
PROFESSOR OF SURGERY
BOARD CERTIFIED IN:
GENERAL SURGERY & COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY
OFFICE:
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER,
20 PROSPECT AVENUE, SUITE #901
HACKENSACK, NJ 07601
CURRENT POSITIONS
DIRECTOR OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
HACKENSACK, NEW JERSEY
PRACTICE LIMITED TO LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
This page last updated: January 20, 2000 12:35 PM
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 Hackensack University Medical Center 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 Hackensack University Medical
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 1-201-996-2959
EMAIL ghb@lapsurgery.com
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