Gallbladder surgery

The gallbladder plays a key role in the digestion of food. It stores the bile produced by the liver which is secreted to metabolise fat in the duodenum.

This can lead to gallstones and even cholecystitis – two medical conditions that I regularly provide surgical treatment for. Minimally invasive surgery has also proven effective during gallbladder surgery, which is why I also practice this method in cases of acute cholecystitis. Not only does it reduce the extent of the bleeding, the required recovery time is also decreased.

Small growths, known as gallbladder polyps, can also occur. These usually benign growths need to be examinationed via ultrasound on a regular basis, as large polyps can degenerate into carcinomas resulting in the need to remove the gallbladder laparoscopically. I also use minimally invasive surgery in cases of such malignancies.

Nowadays, many gallbladder disorders and illnesses can be treated using minimally invasive surgery. Depending on the circumstances, I also practice this method in cases of acute cholecystitis. As is the case with laparoscopic surgery, minimally invasive surgery reduces both the extent of bleeding and the subsequent required recovery time. I generally opt to remove gallstones or bile duct stones to prevent the risk of jaundice and chronic inflammation of the gallbladder occurring from the outset.

Bile duct stones should be removed to prevent the risk of jaundice and pancreatitis (this is usually done using endoscopic techniques, in a similar way to a gastroscopy). In the long run, we recommend the removal of gallbladder stones in order to avoid complications, such as acute inflammation, perforation and degeneration.