Traditional Gallbladder Surgery

With traditional gallbladder surgery a vertical incision 5” – 8” long is made just beneath your ribs down to your waist.  People who are unable to receive a gallbladder laparoscopy usually receive traditional surgery.  Patients that have had surgical procedures around the gall bladder area may have developed scar tissue in that area.  This may make it difficult for the surgeon to remove the gallbladder laparoscopically, and therefore traditional gallbladder surgery is used.

Additionally, if your doctor believes it will be difficult to see your gallbladder with a scope (see below), traditional surgery may be used.  Your doctor will consult with you before the surgical procedure and may run tests to determine which method is best for you.

Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal

With laparoscopic gallbladder surgery 4 incisions are made to the abdominal area:

• directly beneath the navel
• on the right side of the abdomen (2 incisions)
• beneath the sternum

A thin laparoscope is inserted into your body through the small incision made just beneath your navel.  The laparoscope has a small lighted camera or “scope” on the end of it.  With the scope the surgeon can see inside your body and thus remove your gall bladder.

The other three incisions are used to insert tools that sever the gallbladder from your body.  It is through one of these incisions that your gall bladder is actually removed.  The surgeon will also check to see if there are any gallstones in the ducts; if present, those will be removed as well.

During the procedure your abdomen will be inflated with carbon dioxide gas to make it easier for the surgeon to see your gallbladder.  Although the gas is removed during the procedure your abdomen may still be somewhat inflated after the surgery.  The gas will eventually leave your body after the procedure.

Gallbladder Surgery Procedure Time

The time it takes to remove your gallbladder varies, but the actual procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours if it’s removed laparoscopically.  It may take longer if the traditional surgery technique is used.