About Gallbladder Removal Surgery for Gallstone Disease
If you have been suffering from pain and other symptoms associated with gallstones, such as infection (cholecystitis), indigestion, nausea and vomiting, pain after eating (epigastric pain) that occurs in the upper right portion of the abdomen, it is possible that you may be suffering from gallstone disease. If so, it is likely that you will need your gallbladder removed in a procedure known as a cholecystectomy. And, you’re not alone – in fact, gallbladder disease is one of the most common digestive disorders, affecting over 20 million Americans.
Board-certified Chesapeake surgeon Dr. Surya Challa offers laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery and is also trained in the most advanced, up-to-date and minimally invasive technique for gallbladder removal utilizing the platform.
With da Vinci Robotic Surgery, the gallbladder is removed through a single, very small incision inside of the belly button, similar to laparoscopic surgery. However, da Vinci Robotic Surgery often produces minimal or sometimes no visible scar. Other benefits of this type of surgery include a similarly low risk of complications, a very brief hospital stay and significantly less post-operative discomfort.
During a da Vinci Robotic Surgery procedure, Dr. Challa is in control of the robotic-assisted da Vinci Surgical System, which translates his hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body. The da Vinci System also features a magnified 3D high-definition vision system that enables Dr. Challa to operate with enhanced vision and precision.
FAQ: Gallbladder Removal in Chesapeake, VA
Is gallbladder removal performed under general anesthesia?
Yes, gallbladder removal surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
How long does the gallbladder removal surgery in Chesapeake, VA take?
This procedure is typically completed in two hours or less.
What is the difference between laparoscopic gallbladder removal and Da Vinci Robotic Surgery gallbladder removal surgery?
While laparoscopic gallbladder removal surgery involves multiple small incisions, the da Vinci Robotic technique typically utilizes only one small, virtually scar less incision. Dr. Challa will discuss his recommendations for your gallbladder removal during your appointment prior to surgery.
Does Chesapeake Vein Center & MedSpa offer scarless gallbladder surgery?
Yes, because the da Vinci Robotic technique utilizes a very small incision inside the belly button itself, it yields minimal to no scarring.
What is the recovery like following this procedure? How long until I can resume my normal activities following gallstones removal?
Many of our patients resume their normal activities in 1-2 weeks, with more strenuous activities like exercise resumed in 3-4 weeks.
How many of gallbladder removal surgeries has Dr. Challa performed?
Dr. Challa has performed more than 2,500 surgeries with the majority having been performed laparoscopically. With the recent FDA clearance for single site Da Vinci Robotic gallbladder surgeries, Dr Challa has successfully performed more than 30 at the time of press using the Da Vinci Robotic system. Typically a few of these types of surgeries are performed weekly.
What areas does Dr. Challa serve for gallbladder surgery?
Chesapeake Vein Center & MedSpa and adjoining Chesapeake Regional Medical Center in Hampton Roads are convenient to Norfolk county and the Virginia Beach area.
Is a hospital stay required?
Majority of patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic gallbladder surgeries go home a few hours after the surgery is performed. Occasionally, circumstances will require hospital stay.
What makes Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa different?
Dr. Challa rigorously reviews all medical protocols at Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa prior to application. An advantage of having a surgeon such as Dr. Challa actively practicing at the same site is the higher standard that medical offices typically adhere to. You can be assured that these practices are safe, effective and tested.
Is Dr. Surya Challa actively practicing in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Yes! Dr. Challa actively sees and treats patients at Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa. This means that our office adheres to a higher standard of care, equal to that of medical offices. Other medical spas are often ‘overseen’ by a medical director, or may be simply ‘associated’ with a medical director; neither of these situations carries any guarantee that the medical director even practices out of that location.