Why you may need gallbladder surgery.

If you’ve been told you need gallbladder surgery, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Removing the gallbladder, a procedure called cholecystectomy, is very common and helps many people get relief from ongoing pain caused by gallstones or inflammation. In fact, this one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. It’s often a quick, effective solution that gets you back to feeling like yourself.

What Is the Gallbladder and Why Remove It?

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ under your liver. Its job is to store bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. Sometimes, this organ develops gallstones—hard lumps made from bile or cholesterol—that can block the flow of digestion and cause pain, infection, or even inflammation in other organs like the pancreas.

When gallstones cause repeated pain or complications, surgery is usually the best option.

Common Symptoms of Gallbladder Problems

Here are some signs your gallbladder might not be working properly:

1. Upper Abdominal Pain: Pain on the right side of your upper abdomen, especially after eating fatty foods (or the most tasty meals!) , is a common warning sign. It can last from minutes to hours. It may be persistent and not go away without surgery, referred to as acute cholecystitis.

2. Nausea & Vomiting: You may feel sick or throw up, especially after meals.

3. Bloating & Gas: Gallbladder problems can cause bloating, burping, or feeling overly full after eating.

4. Yellow Skin or Eyes (Jaundice): This can happen if a stone blocks the bile ducts. In these cases, a special endoscopic procedure (ERCP) is done to relieve the blockage before surgery.

5. Fever & Chills: These may signal infection and should never be ignored.

6. Shoulder or Back Pain: Pain between the shoulder blades or in the right shoulder may also be from your gallbladder. Sometimes, misdiagnosed back pain can be related to gallbladder disease.

7. Pale Stools or Dark Urine: These changes in bathroom habits can mean bile isn’t flowing properly.

Reasons You Might Need Surgery

• Repeated pain from gallstones

• Gallbladder obstruction/infection (acute or chronic cholecystitis)

• Gallbladder not emptying properly (biliary dyskinesia)

• Inflammation without stones (acalculous cholecystitis)

• Gallstone pancreatitis (stones blocking the pancreas)

• Obstruction of bile ducts (choledocholithiasis)

• Infection of Bile ducts (cholangitis) 

• Suspicious masses or polyps in the gallbladder

Types of Gallbladder Surgery

1. Robotic or Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive):

   • Over 750,000 cholecystectomies are performed each year in the United States

   • Done through a 4 small cuts in the abdomen

   • Better visualization, better instruments

   • Less pain, faster recovery

   • Same-day discharge

     

2. Open Surgery (Less Common):

   • Used in rare cases with more inflammation or scarring

   • Requires a larger incision and longer recovery

   • New techniques and alternatives like robotic subtotal or fenestrating  cholecystectomy help avoid larger incisions

FAQs About Gallbladder Surgery

What to expect after robotic cholecystectomy

Most people feel better within a few days and return to regular activity in about a week. You might feel bloated or sore at first, but that usually goes away quickly. 

Will I need a special diet afterward?We don’t recommend dietary restrictions initially. Some patients may develop loose stools or diarrhea initially, but this usually improves with time and rarely need medications

Are there any risks with the surgery?Like any surgery, there are small risks of pain, bleeding, or infection. Extremely rare complications include bile leaks or injury to nearby ducts. These are more common during emergency situations and when symptoms have been present for years. 

Can gallstones be treated without surgery?

Medication such as Ursodiol (Actigall)  can dissolve small cholesterol stones. These are not effective on bile pigmented stones.  They take months or years and have a high chance of recurrence. Some studies have quoted a recurrence risk of 75% within several months. Medications are mainly used for people who cannot tolerate surgery.

How can I prevent gallstones?

• Eat more fiber and healthy fats

• Limit sugar and refined carbs

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Lose weight slowly, if needed

When Should I See a Specialist?

If you have pain, nausea, or other symptoms as mentioned above that occur particularly with meals, it’s a good idea to see a general surgeon. Unfortunately,  gallbladder disease can often and frequently be misdiagnosed for many years. 

Living with gallbladder symptoms can be frustrating and even painful—but you don’t have to manage it alone. Gallbladder surgery is a safe, effective solution that has helped millions of people regain comfort and quality of life. At Intercoastal General Surgery, we’re committed to providing compassionate care, guiding you through your options, and helping you feel confident every step of the way.

Have Questions?

We’re here for you. Call Intercoastal General Surgery today to schedule a consultation and get back to feeling your best.