Gallbladder Surgery Maryland

If you are 1 of the 20 million Americans with gallstones, your doctor may recommend a cholecystectomy or gallbladder surgery. At this point, you may be wondering: What is gallbladder surgery? When is it indicated? What can I expect from the procedure?

If you would like to learn more about gallbladder surgery in Maryland, performed by Dr. Yash Kumar in our outpatient surgical center, read on.

What is a Gallbladder?

Your gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ that is situated in the upper right side of the abdomen below the liver. It is responsible for storing fluids produced by the liver.

When there is a chemical imbalance in the gallbladder, hardened deposits of digestive fluid can form. These are called gallstones.

In many cases, patients with gallstones do not experience any symptoms. However, gallstones have the potential to result in cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, and other complications.

Why is Gallbladder Surgery Performed?

Also known as a cholecystectomy, this treatment is performed to address gallstones in the gallbladder or bile ducts. It may also be recommended in the event of gallbladder inflammation or pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis).

What Can Patients Expect From This Treatment?

Dr. Yash Kumar performs this procedure in our outpatient surgical center. Often times, the procedure can be completed laparoscopically.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy involves making 4 small incisions and inserting a camera to view the gallbladder and surrounding structures. Miniaturized surgical instruments are also inserted through these incisions and are used to remove the gallbladder.

In the event that an open approach is recommended, a 6-inch incision is made in the abdomen, below the ribs. Muscle and tissue are then retracted, and the gallbladder is surgically excised.

This procedure typically takes two hours, and recovery is often dictated by the surgical technique. Although a laparoscopic approach allows for a shorter healing period, it may not be appropriate for all patients.

Dr. Kumar will carefully assess your case and develop a customized plan just for you.

Learn More About Gallbladder Surgery in Our Outpatient Surgical Center

To learn more about gallbladder surgery, please contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Kumar.