Ask a Doctor

Ramon Malaya, MD, FICS
Cleveland Clinic General Surgeon, Lakewood Hospital

Dr. Malaya answers some frequently asked questions about gallbladder disease and the benefits of having single site surgery.

Q: Why would a gallbladder need to be removed?
The gallbladder is most commonly removed because of gallstones, but it may also be removed if the gallbladder is inflamed or infected. Gallbladder removal will relieve pain, treat infection and – in most cases – stop gallstones from coming back. The risks of not having surgery are the possibilities of worsening symptoms, infection and bursting of the gallbladder.

Q: Who is most at risk of needing gallbladder surgery?
Gallstones can be present in anyone who has a gallbladder. However, gallstones are twice as likely to occur in women. Overweight people, older adults, Native Americans and Mexican Americans are also at greater risk.

Q: How is the need for gallbladder surgery determined?
An evaluation is necessary which usually includes blood work, an abdominal ultrasound and assessments by a surgeon and anesthesiologist. They will review relevant health history and medications as well as discuss pain control options.

Q: What are the latest treatment options for gallbladder removal?
There is a new treatment option called Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure using a single incision (through the belly button) to accomplish any number of surgical treatments including gallbladder removals, gynecologic procedures (like hysterectomies) and others. By utilizing just one incision, special equipment is used to avoid the multiple entry points that traditional laparoscopic procedures require that usually involve up to four ½-inch or smaller incisions.

Q: Who is a candidate for this single site, minimally invasive procedure?
Generally, candidates for traditional laparoscopic surgery are also candidates for the procedure. Criteria may include: no prior surgery and an elective or non-emergent case.

Q: What benefits does Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery offer over standard laparoscopic procedures?
Unlike general laparoscopic procedures that require four, ½-inch or smaller incisions and can leave visible scars at all sites of entry, the single incision procedure is accomplished through a single 20mm incision through the belly button – resulting in the potential for no visible scar. Moreover, a single incision minimizes the wound pain that may accompany additional sites of entry.

Q: What is the recovery period following gallbladder removal?
If there are no complications following surgery, many patients can be discharged and go home the same day as their surgery.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Malaya, call 440-204-7439.