Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal Surgery)in Northern New Jersey
Your gallbladder is a small organ that can cause large problems. Gallbladder issues are often painful and can in some cases, pose medical risks and even life-threatening emergencies. A New Jersey Cholecystectomy may be necessary to restore your health and lifestyle.
Many times it is misdiagnosed and mistaken for other diseases, and patients suffer from it for many years until it is truly diagnosed. In many cases, it is not diagnosed until it becomes a surgical emergency which makes you more prone to complicated diseases such as pancreatitis cholangitis (inflammation and blockage of the bile ducts) or gangrenous cholecystitis.
Your gallbladder is a small pouch-like organ positioned in the upper right part of your belly. It stores bile produced by your liver that breaks down fats and aids digestion. Occasionally, gallstones, which are small, pebbly deposits that build up inside the gallbladder. Gallstones can be very painful and, in some cases, medically dangerous, particularly if stones block the bile duct that connects your gallbladder to your intestines. Inflammations, infections, and even cancers can also interrupt healthy gallbladder function. Gallbladder removal offers permanent relief from such conditions, so you can live pain-free.
Gallbladder malfunction can present in a variety of ways. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and suspect that your gallbladder is impacting your health, schedule your consultation with Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo for a full assessment of your concerns and candidacy for a Cholecystectomy in New Jersey:
You will need a full physical examination prior to your surgery, and some tests may be required to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. Ask all the questions you want, and expect full and direct answers. Your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal if you have:
Many patients don’t realize that symptomatic gallbladder disease can exist without gallstones - A gallbladder that is non-functional which is called Biliary Dyskinesia or Acalculous Cholecystitis. This condition impairs the ability of your gallbladder to move bile into the bile ducts, causing a backup of bile. In this case, symptoms include upper abdominal pain that comes and goes, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and problems digesting certain foods.
Gallbladder problems are painful and can produce significant medical issues. At Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery in Northern New Jersey, we urge you to book a consultation either here at advancedsurgerynj.com or by calling (973) 383-2222.
Cholecystectomy is performed in one of two ways. In laparoscopic or “keyhole” surgery, your doctor will make several small incisions in your abdomen. Surgical instruments and a tiny camera are then inserted into the incisions to access and remove your gallbladder.
Laparoscopic or “keyhole” surgery for gallbladder removal has many advantages, including:
In some cases, your surgeon may begin using a laparoscopic approach but discover during the procedure that a switch to open surgery is necessary. This method requires a six-inch incision in your abdomen below your ribs on the right side. Muscle and tissue are pulled back to reveal your gallbladder, which is then surgically removed.
Cholecystectomy is performed using general anesthesia. Regardless of whether you undergo open or Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, your procedure will take between one and two hours. It is important to note that only 2-3% of cases require open surgery.
You will be directed to stop taking certain medications in the days or weeks leading up to your procedure, including blood thinners or any medicines that can affect your immune system. Make sure you have arranged for someone to drive you home after your procedure. If you return home the same day as the surgery, you should have someone stay with you for 24 hours.
Your surgeon’s training and experience matter. Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo is a board-certified surgeon who has earned a reputation as one of the country’s leading experts on minimally-invasive procedures that enhance patient comfort and shorten recovery times. Dr. Nakhjo invites you to schedule a Cholecystectomy consultation here at advancedsurgerynj.com or by calling (973) 383-2222.
You’ll be taken to a recovery room, where your condition will be carefully monitored as your anesthesia wears off.
Our New Jersey Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning that barring complications, you can go home the same day of your surgery. Laparoscopic patients can usually go back to work in a matter of days.
If open cholecystectomy is performed (2-3% chance), it typically requires a hospital stay of up to three days, and patients may need a week or more to be able to return to work. Don't forget 97-98% of cholecystectomies are performed laparoscopically. It takes about a week to make a full recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Full recovery from open surgery may take up to six weeks.
Cholecystectomy will relieve the pain of gallstones and other gallbladder disorders. Most people will not encounter digestive problems after gallbladder removal since the organ is not essential to digestion. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment within 2-3 weeks of your surgery to assess your results and recovery.
Dr. Nakhjo specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques and has performed more than 4,000 procedures over the course of his career. He is committed to providing patients with optimally personalized care.
You will have post-surgical discomfort and will be prescribed pain medication as needed and appropriate.
Cholecystectomy is a common procedure that is regarded as safe, and complications are rare. But like all surgeries, it comes with risks, in this case including bleeding, infection, hernias, blood clots and injuries to internal organs.
Common temporary side effects are bloating and diarrhea, bruising and swelling near the incision sites, nausea, or upset stomach, which usually resolve within two weeks.
Call your doctor immediately if you have severe or increasing pain, persistent nausea or vomiting, pale stools or dark urine, fever, or swelling that doesn’t go away.
You will live well without your gallbladder. Most people can resume their usual diet after recovering from Cholecystectomy. There are no dietary restrictions two weeks after surgery. We recommend low-fat diet for two weeks after surgery in order for your body to readjust to not having a gallbladder.
For the most advanced treatment, easiest recovery, and best possible results with minimally invasive surgery in New Jersey, begin your journey with Dr. Shomaf Nakhjo today. Schedule your consultation at either of our convenient locations to begin discussing your personalized treatment plan with a highly skilled and renowned area specialist.
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