What Is The Function Of Gallbladder?
The Gallbladder functions to store bile, which is a secretion produced by the liver. This secretion moves from the liver to the Gallbladder; via the common hepatic duct.
Bile has following functions:
- Digestion of lipids
- Vitamin A, D, K, and E absorption
- Removal of bilirubin from the body
2. Gallbladder complications & What Can Lead To Gallbladder Removal:
The gallbladder can develop multiple abnormalities.
- Cholelithiasis-Gallstones: This is one of the most common reasons for the removal of the Gallbladder. Gallstones also known as cholelithiasis, is the process that occurs when stones develop in the Gallbladder. This can lead to a number of different complications.
- Biliary Colic: This painful condition occurs when gallstones block the drainage of bile fluid from the gallbladder.
- Cholecystitis– Inflammation or infection of the Gallbladder: This condition is usually the result for bacterial overgrowth within a gallbladder which has been blocked by gallstones.
- Choledocholithiasis-Stones in main bile duct between the liver and intestin : This condition can cause pain or inflammation of the pancreas or yellow jaundice. In addition to gallbladder removal, this condition often requires that the bile duct stones be removed as well.
- Gallbladder cancer: This is a rare condition, but can require Gallbladder removal.
3. Signs and Symptoms:
A person with Gallbladder illness may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the upper right side of abdomen or in the mid upper abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- A referred pain between shoulder blades
- Often pain follows a fatty meal
- Fever
- Yellow Jaundice
4. Surgical Removal of Gallbladder- Cholecystectomy
There are three possible ways of performing cholecystectomy.
- Open Cholecystectomy
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Robotic Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Open cholecystectomy: This rarely used procedure involves removal of the gallbladder using an open incision. Therefore, this technique has the following drawbacks.
- A large incision line
- greater likelihood of infection and bleeding
- Longer hospital stay
- Longer Recovery time
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: This more modern technique utilizes small (keyhole) incisions and the use of long narrow instruments to remove the gallbladder without making a large incision. This technique has the following advantages.
- Small keyhole incisions
- Lower chances of infection and bleeding
- Shorter hospital stay
- Early Recovery
Robotic Surgery: This procedure uses the latest technology to remove the gallbladder. With robotic surgery, the surgical instruments are attached to robotic arms The surgeon, sitting on operating console, viewing in 3D, controls these robotic arms.
This has the following advantages:.
- Comfortable position for surgeon
- 3D Vision
- Full Range of motion
- Elimination of tremors
- Smaller keyhole incisions
- Less chances of infection and bleeding
- Short hospital stay
- Early Recovery
5. Why Choose Surgery Group Los Angeles?
- Surgery Group LA (Los Angeles) is a team of highly skilled board-certified surgeons with vast experience in robotic and laparoscopic cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy when needed.
- When appropriate we favor conservative management and always try to avoid unnecessary surgery.
- Please, schedule an appointment with us for an evaluation for you or a loved one experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned. We will provide a professional and objective analysis that will enable you to make an informed decision.
