Gallbladder Surgery in Anchorage, AK

Understanding the Gallbladder disease and Its Function

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located below the liver, responsible for storing and releasing bile to aid in fat digestion. Gallbladder disease often arises when gallstones block the bile ducts, leading to inflammation or infection. In such cases, surgical intervention, known as cholecystectomy, may be necessary to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

Need gallbladder surgery in Alaska? You can count on Far North Surgery to take great care of you every step of the way.

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Common Types of Gallbladder Disease

Gallstones- These develop when your bile contains too much cholesterol, calcium, and bile salts
Choledocholithiasis- A condition where the bile cannot pass due to gallstones lodged in the bile ducts or neck of the gallbladder
Cholecystitis- A common gallbladder disease caused by the inflammation of the gallbladder. It occurs either as:
- Acute Cholecystitis- characterized by a sharp to mild pain in the upper right side or middle part of your abdomen that usually occurs after a meal
- Chronic Cholecystitis- in which your gallbladder shrinks and becomes unable to store and release bile after several incidents of Acute Cholecystitis
Sclerosing Cholangitis- Occurs when the inflamed and damaged bile duct system causes scarring
Gallbladder Cancer- Occurs when your gallbladder cells grow uncontrollably, forming a cancerous mass or lump
Acalculous Gallbladder Disease- An inflammation of the gallbladder caused by a critical medical condition or chronic illness
Gallbladder Polyps- Usually benign asymptomatic growths or lesions that form in the gallbladder and in rare cases, may be found to be cancerous
Biliary Dyskinesia- A condition in which your gallbladder has trouble moving digestive fluid from your liver to the intestines thus causing pain.
Gallbladder Abscess- A swollen area that develops as a result of the accumulation of pus containing bacteria, white blood cells, and dead tissue
Gallbladder Gangrene- A severe complication of Acute Cholecystitis, resulting in inadequate blood flow to the gallbladder

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease

Some of the common symptoms of gallbladder disorders may include:

Back pain
Vomiting
Nausea
Pain in the right lower rib, right shoulder, and right upper abdomen
Jaundice
Fever

Advanced Gallbladder Removal Surgery Options in Anchorage, AK

If you have had multiple episodes of gallbladder inflammation, we recommend undergoing gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy). This is the most common method to treat active gallbladder disease and can be performed either laparoscopically or invasively.

Open Cholecystectomy (Traditional Surgery)
This procedure is performed when your gallbladder is severely inflamed, infected, or scarred from other surgeries or if problems occured during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A large incision will be made on the right side of your abdomen and your tissues will be pulled back to remove the gallbladder.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Minimally Invasive)
About 3 to 4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen, and a laparoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a video camera in the end) will be inserted through one of the incisions, to show your gallbladder on the screen. Next, a surgical instrument will be inserted through another incision to remove your gallbladder.

Why Far North Surgery Is a Trusted Choice for Gallbladder Surgery?

At Far North Surgery, we’re dedicated to providing safe, effective, and advanced surgical solutions for gallbladder conditions. Whether you're dealing with gallstones, inflammation, or other related issues, our team offers expert care using both open and minimally invasive techniques. Led by Dr. Madhu Prasad, a highly experienced surgeon, we use the latest technology and personalized care plans to help you feel better and get back to living your life.

Have questions or ready to take the next step? Call us to schedule your consultation today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gallbladder Surgery

Most people can return to their routine activities within 7-10 days post-surgery. However, those who have the procedure performed laparoscopically may experience soreness for about one week.

The gallbladder surgery cost will vary based on multiple factors, such as:

Facility- The procedure performed in an in-patient facility (hospital) costs more than an outpatient surgery center.
Location- Patients living in a rural area (with fewer facilities) might have to pay more than those living in an urban area (with many providers to choose from).
Insurance- If you are insured, you can share the surgery cost with your insurance provider. Otherwise, you will have to pay for it out-of-pocket.
Additional Office Visits- Follow-up visits after your surgery may cost extra.
Lab tests- If your doctor wants to test your tissue samples, you will have to undergo a lab test.
Prescriptions- Prescribed post-surgery medications such as painkillers and antibiotics can increase the cost.

Yes, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered to be a major surgery as it carries a few risks and may result in complications in certain situations.