The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that lies beneath the liver and stores bile, a digestive aid. Despite being small in size, the gallbladder can cause debilitating symptoms when something goes wrong. Gallbladder diseases include gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, pancreas inflammation, and – although very rare – gallbladder cancer. Those diagnosed with any of these conditions have few alternatives but to seek the expertise of a gallbladder surgeon in Tampa.
Gallstones: The Most Common Gallbladder Disease
Usually, problems arise when gallstones, solidified digestive fluid, form in the gallbladder or bile duct. Gallstones can be yellow, brown, or black in color. There can be one or many, and they can be as small as a pinhead or as large as a quarter. No matter their appearance, gallstones are problematic and can cause the following symptoms:
- Intense abdominal pain
- Back and right shoulder pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
The above-mentioned discomforts can last from minutes to hours. Internally, a gallstone may be blocking a bile duct, which can lead to Jaundice and infection. Alternatively, it could be blocking a pancreatic duct, which causes pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation) and often requires hospitalization.
Forming a Plan
Preventative methods, such as adjustments to your diet, can mitigate your chances of gallstones forming. Pain medications, intravenous fluids, fasting, and antibiotics may be enough to successfully treat an inflamed gallbladder. However, a cholecystectomy, a medical procedure to completely remove the gallbladder, is usually required to treat gallstones. Traditionally, multiple large incisions would be made into the abdomen to access the affected gallbladder. However, advancements in robotic surgery now allow a cholecystectomy to be performed via a single small incision. This results in:
- Nearly no scars
- A speedy recovery
- Fewer complications
- Reduced pain and blood loss
Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Surgery in Tampa
Whalen Clark, M.D., is a gallbladder surgeon capable of performing cholecystectomies in the Tampa Bay area. Dr. Clark is spearheading the charge on using minimally invasive robotic surgeries to treat an assortment of abdominal ailments, including gallstones. Through the use of the da Vinci® surgical system, Dr. Clark can perform gallbladder surgery in Tampa with a level of control and precision that was unheard of until recent years. Don’t allow gallstones, an ailment that can be removed in a single non-invasive surgery, to impact your quality of life. For help weighing your options and deciding how best to proceed with treating your gallbladder ailment, consult with Dr. Whalen Clark.
To schedule a consultation with Whalen Clark, M.D., the leading gallbladder surgeon in Tampa, please contact us today.
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