Gallbladder Surgery in Birmingham, AL
What are gallstones, and why do they need to be removed?Your gallbladder is a small organ under the liver that stores bile to digest fat. When bile hardens into gallstones, anywhere from the size of a grain of sand to a few centimeters across, they can block the flow of bile and trigger sharp pain. Medication and diet changes may ease symptoms, but they can’t remove the stones or stop new ones from forming. That’s why gallbladder removal is the most common and effective gallbladder disease treatment.
At BMI Surgery, gallbladder removal is done with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a technique Dr. Long performs with years of specialized experience. We can also spot and address related issues during the same procedure, such as scar tissue, cysts or a hernia.
Let’s Find the Source of Your Pain
A free gallbladder consultation is the fastest way to find out what’s causing your pain. Gallbladder symptoms can mimic ulcers, reflux and even heart problems, so getting the diagnosis right matters. If you’re ready to get back to eating without fear, our team is ready to talk.
What to Expect
Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is usually an outpatient procedure, and most patients head home the same day. Surgery takes about one to two hours under general anesthesia. Because the incisions are so small, there’s far less pain than with traditional open surgery, and you’ll have medication to keep you comfortable as you heal.
Most people are up and walking within hours and back to work and everyday routines in about one to two weeks. Your body adjusts to life without a gallbladder, and many patients find they can once again enjoy the foods that used to trigger attacks. Dr. Long will guide you on easing back into fatty or heavy meals.
Gallbladder Conditions We Treat
Most gallbladder problems start with gallstones, hardened deposits of cholesterol or bilirubin that form in bile. When a stone briefly blocks the gallbladder’s outlet, it triggers a gallbladder attack, also called biliary colic. The pain is intense, sits in the upper abdomen, often follows a fatty meal or strikes at night, and tends to come back.
If a stone stays lodged, the gallbladder can become inflamed (cholecystitis), causing constant pain, fever and tenderness that usually call for prompt gallbladder surgery. Stones that slip into the bile ducts can cause yellowing of the skin or eyes, pancreatitis or a serious infection called cholangitis, all of which need urgent care.
Some patients have classic symptoms with no visible stones because the gallbladder isn’t emptying properly, which a HIDA scan can reveal, whatever the cause, gallbladder removal is often the most reliable way to end the pain for good.
Signs You May Need Gallbladder Surgery
Check any symptoms you’ve noticed below, then book a free consultation to find out for sure.
*Seek emergency care for severe pain lasting several hours, fever or chills, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. Chest pain should always be checked right away, since it can signal a heart problem.
Meet the Surgeon Behind Your Hernia Repair
Over 25 years of experience in general and minimally invasive surgery. Fellowship Trained in Minimally Invasive & Bariatric Surgery. Certified by the American Board of Surgery.