Better Ways to Treat Gallbladder Symptoms
Pain and other symptoms related to an inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis) or gallstones are the main reasons why a patient may need gallbladder removal, or cholecystectomy. Each year in the United States, about 500,000 cholecystectomies are performed, making it one of the most common surgeries. The gallbladder stores bile from the liver later used to aid in digestion. While the gallbladder is useful, the body can function fine without it. With it gone, patients are cured of their gallbladder disease.
AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute surgeon Dr. Sharona Ross has extensive experience with surgery to treat gallbladder conditions. Surgery is the only treatment that can completely cure a gallbladder disease.
Surgical Treatment for Gallbladder Disease
Today’s surgeries for gallbladder disease are safe, effective (cure the condition) and almost always performed minimally invasively. Minimally invasive gallbladder surgery prevents the complications and lengthy recovery that could result from an open procedure. It also produces very good cosmetic results, and newer approaches make patients look as if they did not have surgery.
Some of these minimally invasive methods of cholecystectomy used at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute include:
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
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This procedure began to become widely available in the early 1990s. It involves several small incisions no larger than keyholes in the abdomen and belly button. Using special surgical instruments and a scope with a camera and light, the surgeon removes the gallbladder through this closed procedure.
- Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) “Scarless” Cholecystectomy
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In general, LESS cholecystectomy is the same surgery as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the entire operation is performed through just one incision in the belly button. This approach results in a fast recovery and less pain, and because the incision is hidden by the belly button, there is no visible scar. The surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute helped pioneer this approach, which began to become more widely used in the late 2000s.
To view actual footage of this surgical procedure, please visit the PROCEDURE VIDEOS.
- Robotic Cholecystectomy
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Our surgeons are experienced in robotic-assisted procedures that can help patients heal faster. In some situations, the patient and surgeon may prefer a gallbladder removal procedure that is assisted by the da Vinci® Surgical System. This approach may allow some patients to have minimally invasive surgery when they otherwise would not be able to. Just as with LESS surgery, a robotic cholecystectomy involves a single incision in the belly button.
To view actual footage of this surgical procedure, please visit the PROCEDURE VIDEOS.
Pancreatic, Biliary and Gallbladder Disease
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Pancreatic Cancer
Our surgeons are among the region’s most experienced in pancreatic surgery. We can help treat your cancer with minimally invasive options. Learn more today.
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Pancreatic Conditions
Gastroenterologists and surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute are experts for treating Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Cyst and other conditions of the pancreas.
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Pancreatic Surgery
AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute's pancreas surgeons offer minimally invasive pancreatectomy for Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Cysts and Pancreatic Cancer. Learn more.
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Gallbladder Cancer
Removing the gallbladder with cancer is a very complex surgery that requires highly experienced surgeons like those at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute.
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Gallbladder Conditions
Advanced surgeons at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute provide cholecystectomy and other treatments for gallbladder pain and gallstones.
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Gallbladder Surgery
Surgeons at the AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute provide advanced, scar-less cholecystectomy for gallbladder pain and gallstones.
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Bile Duct Diseases and Conditions
AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons treat bile duct obstruction (blocked bile duct) and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
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Endoscopy for Pancreatic, Bile Duct and Gallbladder Conditions
Gastroenterologists at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute use ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose and treat pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct diseases.
Recover Faster With Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery
The expert surgeons at the AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute have a large depth of experience in offering minimally invasive surgery.
Meet Your Dedicated Experts
Our specialists are passionate about providing collaborative care that addresses your unique needs and goals while ensuring you feel informed and supported every step of the way. Learn more about our team and their areas of expertise.
Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without the Wait
Appointments Within Seven Days for Patients with Cancer
At AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within five business days, and often earlier.
Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer again, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.
Let Us Help You Feel Whole Again
Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms or want a second opinion on a diagnosis, our dedicated digestive health experts are here to help you find answers and a path forward. Request an appointment today to take charge of your health and get the personal support you need.