Gallbladder Surgery in Southeast Michigan

Symptoms related to the presence of stones in the gallbladder (gallstones) are a common indication for gallbladder surgery. 

Interesting fact: Alexander the Great is believed to have died at the age of 34 of complications related to gallstones.

liver diagram

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The gallbladder stores bile, which is made in the liver and helps to digest fat.
  • After a fatty meal, the gallbladder contracts to deliver a bolus of bile to the intestine to aid digestion.
  • Heredity is important. Overall, 10-15% of American have gallstones, but some ethnic groups are more commonly afflicted – almost 75% of Native Americans have gallstones. 
  • Diet plays a minor role. Most gallstones are made mostly of cholesterol, which can precipitate out of the bile. Significant weight loss can change the chemistry of the bile and cause gallstones to form.
  • Hormones can play a role. The hormonal changes of pregnancy can lead to gallstone formation.
  • No. In fact, most people with gallstones never have symptoms and do not need surgery.
  • Surgery to remove the gallbladder is recommended when gallstones have caused symptoms. This is true even if symptoms are mild because patients with gallstones and symptoms are at risk of serious gallstone complications, such as cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and cholangitis.
  • Pain – classically in the right upper abdomen, radiating around to the back and the mid-front of the abdomen in a band-like pattern. 
  • Gallbladder attacks of pain are usually brought on by fatty, greasy, or fried food. 
  • Gallbladder attacks usually start shortly after a fatty meal and continue for 30 minutes to several hours. 
  • Nausea and vomiting sometimes accompany gallbladder pain. 
  • Gallbladder pain can be mild or severe. 
  • Gallbladder pain is characteristically irregular – some fatty meals cause pain and others do not. 
Simple “biliary colic” (gallbladder pain) is typically caused by forceful contraction of the gallbladder (in response to a fatty meal) with a stone blocking the gallbladder neck by “ball-valve” mechanism.  When the stone dislodges, the pain goes away.
  • Patients with symptomatic gallstones are at increased risk of a complicated attack. Complicated attacks are related to gallstone migration. Specific complications depend on where the gallstones become lodged.
  • Cholecystitis (inflammation and infection of the gallbladder) is typically caused by the same “ball-valve” gallstone blockage of the gallbladder outflow (cystic duct) that causes biliary colic. If the stone fails to dislodge, simple biliary colic can progress to cholecystitis. 
  • Cholangitis (inflammation and infection of the bile duct and liver) is typically caused by gallstones that pass from the gallbladder to the bile duct and block the flow of bile from reaching the bowel. Infected bile backs up into the liver and causes jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, skin, and urine) and severe infection.
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation and infection of the pancreas) can be caused by alcohol or other irritants but is most commonly caused by gallstones that pass from the gallbladder to the bile duct and irritate the nearby pancreatic duct.
  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), with or without robotic assistance is, by far, the most common approach. This minimally invasive procedure allows for a quick recovery with mild pain and is usually done as outpatient surgery. 
  • Conversion to a traditional large incision is sometimes necessary to safely complete a cholecystectomy. This rare, aggressive step is usually needed for patients with severe, acute infections of the gallbladder. To minimize the potential need for this, it is best to schedule laparoscopic cholecystectomy before severe complications develop.
  • Bleeding is an inherent risk of all surgery. The risk of bleeding is typically extremely low. Be sure to let us know about any clotting abnormalities you have or blood thinners you take. 
  • Infection is also an inherent risk with surgery. This complication is also rare, especially when surgery is elective (planned). Let us know about any recent infections.
  • Bile duct injury. The potential for this complication was a significant concern in the past. With modern surgical techniques and expertise, the risk of this or other injuries for vital structures is exceptionally low. 
  • Surgical complications are minimized when surgery is performed early, before severe gallbladder complications develop.
  • This is not recommended. This approach was studied extensively in the 1980s and gallstone lithotripsy (shock waves to break up stones, like the treatment for kidney stones) was once considered promising. Eventually, studies showed the procedure to be risky and ineffective in the long term. 
  • “Gallbladder cleanses,” as suggested by some enthusiasts on the internet, are not recommended. These are ineffective and can be dangerous. 

Schedule a Gallbladder Surgery Consultation in Southeast Michigan

At SEM Surgical, we are dedicated to providing top-notch care for gallbladder surgery, ensuring a smooth and effective treatment experience. Our skilled team uses the latest techniques to address your gallbladder concerns with precision and care. Contact us at (248) 985-8060 to schedule your consultation at our general surgery clinic in Royal Oak, MI and start your journey to better health.