Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy) Anchorage, Alaska

Gallbladder surgery or cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removal of the gallbladder - a pear-shaped organ that is below your liver in the upper right side of the abdomen. Our surgeon, Dr. Prasad uses the most advanced technology and minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat gallbladder problems.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder removal)

During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient is given general anesthesia. Your surgeon makes four small incisions in the abdomen. One of the four incisions is made just below the navel to insert a small and thin tube of the laparoscope through which the surgeon can see the gallbladder on a monitor and perform the surgery. The other three incisions are made in the right upper part of the patient’s abdomen to insert other instruments which help the surgeon to separate the gallbladder from its attachments. The gall bladder is then removed from one of the incisions.

Once the procedure is complete, the laparoscope and other instruments are removed from the abdomen. The four incisions are then closed with absorbable stitches or surgical tape. The surgeon may use small bandages to cover the incision area, post its closure.

When Do You Need Gallbladder Surgery?

Your doctor may recommend gallbladder surgery if you have:

• Gallbladder inflammation
• Gallstones in the gallbladder
• Pancreas inflammation due to gallstones
• Gallstones in the bile duct

Common Tests Before Gallbladder Surgery

Before the surgical procedure, your doctor will perform several tests to check the effect of gallstones on your health. Common tests include:

• Ultrasound
• Blood test
• MRI HIDA (hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid) scan
• Endoscopic ultrasonography

Gallbladder Surgical Procedures

Your surgeon may perform the surgery in one of the following ways:

• Open surgery - in which your surgeon makes a 5-7-inch incision on your belly to remove the gallbladder.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy - in which your surgeon makes 4 small cuts to insert special tools to see and remove the infected organ.

Why Choose Us for Gallbladder Surgery?

Dr. Prasad is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating gallbladder conditions. He uses the least invasive treatment options that result in better outcomes and shorter recovery times. Call us at 907-276-3676 to get the best treatment option or answer any questions you may have.