If you are having problems with your gallbladder our Fort Payne, AL, general surgeon may recommend gallbladder surgery in order to remove it. You can learn more about the procedure and what you can expect by getting in contact with Cole Surgical Arts, with Dr. Jeffrey Cole.

Gallbladder and Gallstones

Your gallbladder is an organ that stores bile, which is a liquid produced by your liver in order to break down fats. Due to an imbalance in the substances that compose bile, it can harden and become gallstones, which can be very small or as large as a ping pong ball in some cases. Although gallstones aren't always an issue, they can cause serious issues if they travel into the bile ducts. It's when they've become a problem that your doctor may recommend removing the gallbladder. But if your gallstones are not causing any symptoms you may not require immediate surgery, but your individual situation may vary. Common symptoms of gallbladder problems include abdominal pain, especially if it's localized to the upper right part of your belly, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of your eyes.

Diet and Your Gallbladder

The gallbladder does serve a purpose but having it removed will typically only affect your diet in a minor way. Doctors agree that any of the dietary changes needed outweigh the potentially serious consequences of keeping your gallbladder in these circumstances. These changes are mostly necessary only immediately after the surgery, your liver still makes bile so you may be able to resume your normal diet after you recover.

Gallbladder Surgery in Fort Payne, AL

Minimally invasive gallbladder surgery, or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, allows your general surgeon to remove the gallbladder with only a few very small incisions, and with smaller incisions, you'll be able to return to your normal everyday activities much faster. If you are in need of gallbladder surgery and live in or near the area of Fort Payne, AL, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Cole of Cole Surgical Arts by dialing (256) 273-4300.