Gallbladder Issue
The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver, responsible for storing bile—a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. Gallbladder issues arise when this organ becomes inflamed, obstructed, or fails to function properly, often leading to pain and digestive discomfort.
Common Gallbladder Issues
- Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Hard deposits of cholesterol or bile salts that form in the gallbladder.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones blocking bile flow.
- Biliary Colic: Intermittent pain caused by gallstones temporarily blocking the bile ducts.
- Choledocholithiasis: Gallstones in the bile duct, leading to more severe complications.
- Gallbladder Polyps: Non-cancerous growths on the gallbladder wall.
- Gallbladder Cancer: Rare but aggressive malignancy.
Treatment Options at Six Sigma Surgery
Diagnosis:
- Ultrasound: First-line imaging to detect gallstones and inflammation.
- CT Scan or MRI: For detailed visualization of bile ducts and gallbladder.
- Blood Tests: To identify infection or liver function abnormalities.
Medical Management:
- Medications: Pain relievers and bile acid pills for mild symptoms.
- Dietary Modifications: A low-fat diet to reduce symptoms and prevent gallstone formation.
Surgical Treatments:
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Minimally invasive gallbladder removal, considered the gold standard for symptomatic gallstones or cholecystitis.
- Open Cholecystectomy: Used in complex cases or for gallbladder cancer.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): For removing stones from the bile duct.
Rest and Recovery
- Post-Surgery Care: Patients typically recover within 1-2 weeks after laparoscopic surgery. For open surgery, recovery may take 4-6 weeks.
- Diet Adjustments: After gallbladder removal, patients should consume smaller, low-fat meals to aid digestion.
- Follow-Up Visits: Essential to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any complications.
At Six Sigma Surgery, we combine precision, cutting-edge technology, and patient-centered care to provide effective solutions for gallbladder issues, ensuring quick recovery and long-term well-being.