Gallbladder Surgery Specialist

Why do I need gallbladder surgery?

You may be a candidate for gallbladder surgery if you have gallstones or gallbladder disease that isn’t treatable with medications or dietary changes. 

While many people have gallbladder issues without pain or other symptoms, some may experience chronic pain that interferes with their ability to stay active.

After a careful evaluation of your personal and family medical history, your symptoms, and your overall health, Dr. Rochman may recommend gallbladder surgery to alleviate chronic issues like:

• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Indigestion
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting

You may also need gallbladder surgery to address obstructions, usually gallstones, in the bile duct. Gallstones can cause inflammation in your gallbladder and pancreas.

How are gallbladder issues diagnosed?

For your convenience, Dr. Rochman offers on-site diagnostics to confirm your symptoms relate to gallbladder problems. In addition to your physical exam, he may order imaging tests, like an ultrasound or abdominal X-ray, to better understand the root cause of your symptoms. 

Dr. Rochman also evaluates special enzymes in your liver and pancreas to detect inflammation through liver function tests and amylase and lipase tests.

A hydroxy iminodiacetic acid (HIDA) scan is another diagnostic procedure he uses to diagnose gallbladder inflammation and obstruction. 

This procedure involves the injection of a special radioactive chemical into your arm. Dr. Rochman then uses a camera to follow the flow of HIDA into your gallbladder and other organs.

Once he completes his diagnostic work, Dr. Rochman creates a treatment plan focused on resolving your symptoms and protecting your overall health.

What can I expect during gallbladder surgery?

Surgical treatment for gallbladder disease or other issues usually involves the removal of your gallbladder, a cholecystectomy. You can continue to live a healthy, happy life without this organ.

Dr. Rochman uses two primary surgical techniques to remove your gallbladder. In many cases, he uses a laparoscopic technique that requires only small incisions in your abdomen to access your gallbladder. 

Smaller incisions mean less trauma to your body and a faster healing time. This technique can also minimize scarring in the incision site, and you may be able to go home soon after surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery involves the use of a special scope with an attached camera that sends real-time images of your inner structures back to an external monitor. Dr. Rochman watches this monitor throughout the procedure and uses special surgical instruments to complete the surgery.

In some cases, when laparoscopic surgery isn’t an option, Dr. Rochman uses an open surgical technique to remove the gallbladder, which involves a larger incision and a hospital stay.

During your surgery, Dr. Rochman may conduct a cholangiogram to determine if you have gallstones in the bile ducts. If he finds more stones, Dr. Rochman may use the scope to remove them during a laparoscopic procedure, or he may need to perform open surgery to access the stones.

Whether you need an accurate diagnosis for gallbladder disease or need a surgical solution for chronic gallbladder symptoms, schedule a consultation with Andrew J. Rochman, MD, online or by calling the office today.