What is Cholecystectomy?

Suffolk County Surgery for Gallstones and Gallbladder Issues

If you have chronic gallstone pain or the gallbladder is not functioning properly, you may need to undergo cholecystectomy, or the surgical removal of the gallbladder. At Vermont Urgent Care in Los Angeles, we specialize in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, which allows for greater comfort, quicker recovery times, and generally better long-term results.

What Is a Cholecystectomy?

Cholecystectomy is a routine procedure for the surgical removal of the gallbladder (indications include gallstones and cholecystitis). The gallbladder is a small organ that holds bile, which is not necessary for digestion and can be removed safely and effectively. If you’re wondering which size of gallbladder stone is dangerous it’s important to know the types.

Two main types:

  • Lap Chole: (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy): Smaller incisions and less invasive.
  • Open Cholecystectomy: For difficult problems or emergencies.

When You Might Need Gallbladder Removal

Indications include:

  • Pain, nausea, or infection from gallstones and burping
  • Biliary pain (postprandial)
  • Acute/chronic cholecystitis
  • Blocked bile ducts or sludge
  • Pancreatitis caused by gallstones

Symptoms:

  • Right upper abdominal pain
  • Back/shoulder pain that travels to the back or shoulder
  • Bloating, nausea, or vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Stone size and operative intervention

Gallstones between 5mm and 1cm+ may require surgery. Even smaller stones in certain parts of the body can cause attacks.

Examples:

  • 1cm stones may block ducts
  • Many tiny stones = lots of pain

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Step By Step

Procedure:

  • Anesthesia
  • 4–5 small incisions
  • Laparoscope insertion
  • Gallbladder removal
  • Dissolvable suture for closure, with no discomfort or lumps.

Time: 45 min – 1.5 hrs
Benefits: Little scarring, quick recovery, low risk of complications

Recovery Timeline

  • 1–3 days: Home rest
  • 5–7 days: Return to work
  • 2–3 weeks: Full recovery

Post-op: A bit of gas pain, back pain after gall bladder removal from incisions
Dietary advice: Low fat, small amounts, reintroduce gradually

FAQs

4–5

Pillow-supported back or left side

Wait 1–2 weeks

Yes, once digestion becomes stable to some extent

Yes, flatulence can be a cause of flatulence.

  • Bile acid therapy
  • Low-fat diets
  • Herbal supplements (some, with caveats)
  • Lithotripsy (rare in U.S.)

Note: Those are partial workarounds, they are not yet solutions.

Risks and Success Rates

Risks:

Infection
Bile leakage
Reaction to anesthesia

Success:

More than 95% successful with laparoscopic techniques
Majority of patients revert to full diet/lifestyle

Appendix or Gallbladder?

Symptom

  • Gallbladder
  • Appendix
  • Pain location
  • Upper right abdomen
  • Lower right abdomen
  • Pain timing
  • After fatty meals
  • Constant, growing

Other signs

Bloating, nausea
Fever, no appetite

Cost of Surgery in LA

  • Insurance: Most PPOs accepted
  • Self-Pay: Financing available

We help with insurance pre-approvals and quotes.

Why You Should Choose Vermont Urgent Care

  • Expert surgeons
  • Staff multilingual (Espagnol, Farsi, Arménien)
  • Fast scheduling
  • Downtown LA location
  • Personalized, gentle treatment

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Don’t let acid blocker reflux control your life. Find out if you’re a candidate for anti-reflux surgery today.