The gallbladder is a small organ next to the liver that secretes bile through a tube, called the cystic duct, to the small intestine for digestion purposes.
The most common problem for a gallbladder is cholecystitis, which is an inflammation of the gallbladder that can block the flow of bile, leading to swelling, pain and potential infection. Cholecystitis can be caused by infection or trauma, as in the case of a car accident. Gallstones are another possible problem for the gallbladder. If a gallstone develops and momentarily obstructs the cystic duct, the gallbladder can contract in a painful spasm, called a gallbladder attack or biliary colic. If the gallstone gets stuck in the cystic duct, the flow of bile is blocked, resulting in a condition known as acute cholecystitis. Another form of cholecystitis is chronic cholecystitis, in which the gallbladder remains swollen over a long period, leading to thickening and hardening of the walls of the gallbladder.
Cholecystitis typically causes pain in the upper right abdomen that can sometimes move to the back or right shoulder blade. Other possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, tenderness of the right abdomen, and fever. For a full diagnosis, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our award winning doctors. (818) 696-0091
Acute cholecystitis requires an immediate cholecystectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is sometimes caused by multiple gallstones getting stuck in the cystic duct. If this is the case, treatment may require an endoscopic procedure (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP) to remove the gallstones before removal of the gallbladder. While cases of biliary colic or cholecystitis that is not acute, do not require immediate surgery, the only tried and true treatment is a cholecystectomy. Contact us immediately at (818) 696-0091 for a consultation to decrease chances of complications. Depending on the exact details of the case, for our patients in Glendale gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) can be performed using either open surgery or laparoscopic surgery.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a surgical procedure used to remove the gallbladder and gallstones through several small cuts (incisions) in the abdomen. General anesthesia is required for this surgery, which usually lasts less than two hours. Before the surgeon removes the gallbladder, you may have a special X-ray procedure called intraoperative cholangiography, which shows the anatomy of the bile ducts. During the surgery, the surgeon inflates your abdomen with air or carbon dioxide in order to see clearly. Then the surgeon inserts a lighted scope attached to a video camera (laparoscope) into an incision near your belly button. The surgeon then uses a video monitor as a guide while inserting surgical instruments into other incisions to remove your gallbladder. Recovery is much faster and less painful after laparoscopic surgery than after open surgery. With laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, patients generally go home the same day or the next day, compared with 2 to 4 days or longer for open surgery. At Avalon Surgery Center in Glendale gallbladder surgery patients that receive laparoscopic surgery typically return to their normal daily activities in 7 to 10 days.
If you suspect something wrong or need surgery for your gallbladder, contact us immediately at (818) 696-0091. Our mission at our Surgery Center in Glendale is to treat each patient with the utmost respect and excellent care. Our award winning doctors and state of the art facilities in Glendale, CA are available to provide you with the highest level of personalized service before, during and after your surgery. If you require a consultation with a medical specialist, our physicians have offices all across the Greater Los Angeles Area, within your insurance network. For more information, contact us at (818) 696-0091.
Avalon knows there’s so much more to surgery than what happens on the operating room table. That’s why we ensure surgeons who choose Avalon have everything they need to perform their best work, whether that’s top-of-the-line OR equipment or a place to rest and plan between procedures. Check out our facility or schedule a visit to learn more about how Avalon can help you do your best work.
At Avalon, you can concentrate on getting ready for surgery and recovery and let us handle the rest. Our staff can help your patients at each stage of your surgery journey and give you the best chance to achieve positive surgical outcomes. Partnering with Avalon Surgery Center gives you the best chance for surgical success by putting patients first.
435 Arden Avenue Suite 520, Glendale, CA 91203
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Saturday: By Appointment
