Gallbladder Surgery in Flagstaff
Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation cause severe pain and can lead to serious complications. If you have been diagnosed with gallstone disease or cholecystitis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Flagstaff Surgical Associates provides excellent relief with minimal recovery time.
Understanding Gallstone Disease
Your gallbladder stores bile to aid digestion. Gallstones form when bile crystallizes, causing pain (biliary colic), inflammation (cholecystitis), pancreatitis, or bile duct obstruction.
Symptoms: Right upper abdominal pain (especially after fatty meals), nausea, vomiting, back pain between shoulders, pain under right shoulder blade.
Complications: Acute cholecystitis (infection), pancreatitis, bile duct obstruction, gallbladder perforation—all requiring urgent treatment.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (removal) is the definitive treatment, preventing recurrent pain and complications.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Small incisions allow camera and instruments into abdomen. Gallbladder is removed intact. Benefits: minimal trauma, less pain, faster recovery (1 week vs. 4-6 weeks for open surgery).
Success rate: 95%+. Most patients have complete pain relief post-operatively.
Frequently Asked Questions – Gallbladder Surgery
Do all gallstones require surgery?
No. Asymptomatic gallstones (found incidentally) usually don’t need treatment. Surgery is recommended for symptomatic gallstones, acute cholecystitis, recurrent pancreatitis, or gallbladder complications. Your surgeon will advise if surgery is appropriate for your situation.
Can I live without a gallbladder?
Yes. Gallbladder removes stored bile but isn’t essential. Bile flows directly from liver to intestines. Most patients have no digestive problems. Some experience loose stools initially but this usually resolves within weeks.
How long is recovery after cholecystectomy?
Laparoscopic surgery: light activity in 1 week, normal activity in 3-4 weeks. Open surgery: 4-6 weeks recovery. Pain is minimal with laparoscopic approach. Most patients return to work within 2 weeks.
What’s the success rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Success rate is 95%+ with 90%+ of patients having complete symptom relief. Some patients experience persistent symptoms requiring further investigation. Complication rates are low (less than 2%).
Can gallstones come back after surgery?
No. Once gallbladder is removed, gallstones cannot form. However, bile duct stones can form in approximately 5% of patients. You won’t have the same biliary colic, but bile duct obstruction requires endoscopic treatment.
Will diet affect me after gallbladder removal?
Most patients can eat normal diet after recovery. Some experience loose stools with high-fat foods initially. Keeping fat intake moderate and eating smaller, frequent meals helps. Restrictions typically improve over time.
What if my symptoms don’t improve after cholecystectomy?
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (persistent symptoms) occurs in 10-15% of patients. Usually caused by bile acid malabsorption or sphincter dysfunction. Your surgeon can discuss additional treatment options if needed.