Gallbladder Surgery
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is a small organ located near the stomach and the pancreas. Its job is to store bile before it is released into the small intestine to help with fat digestion. Normally, the removal of the gallbladder (called a cholecystectomy) is well tolerated and with few side effects.
Why would a gallbladder need to be removed?
There are typically three main reasons for gallbladder surgery: Gallstones with pain, Biliary Dyskinesia (dysfunctional gallbladder contractions) and inflammation of the gallbladder. Any of these three may cause pain (especially after eating), nausea, vomiting, painful passing of gas, bloating and loose unpredictable stool. These symptoms are especially intense if the meal was too large or overly fatty/greasy. Gallstones can be passed if they are small enough, but larger stones (or multiple stones) may get stuck in the narrow “neck” of the gallbladder, leading to intense pain and possible rupture.
How is the gallbladder removed?
Typically the gallbladder is removed laparoscopically – which means it is done through small incisions with the assistance of a camera. In about 5 of every 100 gallbladder surgeries in the U.S., the surgeon will need to switch to an “open” surgical method where a larger incision is needed. Dr. Shakov always does everything possible to avoid an open surgery, but the patient’s safety takes precedence over any cosmetic issues around scarring and he will change methods if he deems it medically necessary during a gallbladder surgery.
Where is the surgery performed?
Dr. Shakov performs gallbladder surgery in Monmouth and Ocean County New Jersey at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold New Jersey, Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, NJ.