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Gallbladder Removal

Experts in robotics surgery.

Gallbladder removal surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a common procedure that can be performed using both traditional and minimally invasive techniques. The gallbladder is a small organ that stores bile – a digestive fluid – until it is ready to be released into the intestines. However, the gallbladder itself is not essential and most healthy individuals are able to live normal lives without the organ. The body will digest food differently after the gallbladder is removed, but the changes are minor and most people do not notice them.

At Florida Medical Clinic, our experienced surgeons perform gallbladder removal surgery to treat several different conditions, including:

Gallbladder cancer
Recurrent gallstones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis) or bile duct (choledocholithiasis)
Chronic gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
Pancreatic inflammation resulting from chronic gallstones (pancreatitis)

Florida Medical Clinic’s Department of Surgery offers both traditional and minimally invasive techniques. In most cases, we practice minimally invasive (laparoscopic) gallbladder surgery, in which a series of small incisions are used to gain access to the organ, rather than one large cut. A thin, flexible tube with a camera and miniaturized set of surgical instruments is inserted into the abdomen to effectively remove the gallbladder. In some cases, however, the gallbladder is removed using traditional techniques and surgical instruments, which is known as an open cholecystectomy.

Before considering surgery, however, most physicians will provide their patients with several non-surgical treatment recommendations, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. The exception to this is gallbladder cancer, in which case surgery is usually the preferred mode of treatment. Additionally, gallstones – the most common condition that leads to gallbladder removal – tend to return and produce symptoms of increasing severity, and surgical removal may ultimately be the most effective treatment.

Because there are a number of factors that can influence the preferred approach to treatment, our experienced surgeons will work one-on-one with you to determine the most appropriate method for you. And, as necessary, our surgeons will collaborate with your other Florida Medical Clinic physicians to facilitate streamlined, multispecialty care.

To request a gallbladder surgery consultation with one of our experienced general surgeons, contact Florida Medical Clinic today.

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