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Gallbladder Surgery San Antonio, TX

Understanding Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder issues can be painful and troublemaking, frequently requiring surgical intervention. If you’re dealing with gallstones, inflammation, or other gallbladder-related conditions, you might be wondering: Is surgery the only option? What should you expect? And most importantly, where can you find the best gallbladder specialists in San Antonio?

What is Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, or cholecystectomy, is a procedure to remove the gallbladder. This small organ stores bile, which helps digest fats. However, when gallstones form, they can block bile flow, leading to pain, nausea, and other digestive problems.

There are two main types of gallbladder surgery:

Robotic-assisted or Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive procedure with small incisions and quicker recovery.
Open Cholecystectomy: A traditional surgery requiring a larger incision, typically used in more complex cases.

When Do You Need Gallbladder Surgery?

Surgery is often recommended for conditions such as:

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Gallstone deposits that cause severe pain.
Gallbladder Inflammation (Cholecystitis): Often due to gallstones blocking bile flow and resulting in infection.
Biliary Dyskinesia: A dysfunctional gallbladder causing chronic digestive issues.
Gallbladder Polyps: Some polyps can become cancerous and require removal.

If you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice, it’s crucial to consult a specialist immediately.

Benefits of Gallbladder Surgery

Many patients worry about life after gallbladder removal, but the truth is, most people live completely normal lives after-surgery. Some key benefits include:

Relief from chronic pain

Improved digestion

No more gallstone attacks

Minimally invasive options for faster recovery

What to Expect During and After Surgery?

Most gallbladder removals are done laparoscopically, meaning you’ll likely go home the same day. Here’s what you can expect:

Surgery Duration:

Less than 1 hour

Recovery Time:

Most patients resume normal activities within a week

Diet Adjustments:

A low-fat diet initially helps digestion adjust

Post-surgery, mild bloating or diarrhea may occur, but these issues usually resolve over time.

Finding the Best Gallbladder Surgery Specialist in San Antonio

One highly recommended option is Medrano Bariatrics. Their team specializes in gallbladder surgery, offering state-of-the-art care and a patient-centred approach.

FAQ

Can you live a normal life without a gallbladder?

Yes! Most people live completely normal lives without a gallbladder. Your liver will still produce bile, and after an adjustment period, your digestion should function well.

How long does recovery take after gallbladder surgery?

Recovery from gallbladder surgery takes 1–2 weeks for laparoscopic surgery and 4–6 weeks for open surgery.

Will I have dietary restrictions after surgery?

Yes, after surgery, you may need to follow a low-fat diet and eat small, frequent meals to aid digestion. Most restrictions ease after a few weeks.

What are the risks of gallbladder surgery?

Risks include infection, bleeding, bile leaks, injury to bile ducts or nearby organs, and digestive issues. Serious complications are rare.