Considering Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? Here’s what you need to know. 

What is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

It is a minimally invasive surgery to remove your gallbladder using a few small incisions and a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera used to guide the surgeon). Robotic-assisted instrumentation may also be used during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Click here for more about robotic-assisted procedures.

Why would I need this surgery?

This surgery is recommended for gallstones causing pain or infection, poor gallbladder function, cholecystitis (inflamed gallbladder) or pancreatitis from blocked ducks. 

Why choose this over traditional surgery?  

Choosing laparoscopic surgery over traditional open surgery offers several benefits, including less postoperative pain, smaller scars, a quicker recovery time and often the ability to go home the same day as the surgery. 

Is it safe?  

Yes, this surgery is considered very safe, with a low risk of complications. Serious issues, such as infection or bleeding, are rare. 

How should I prepare?  

Preparation involves: 

• Preoperative tests include blood tests, an EKG or an ultrasound for selective patients. 

• Informing your doctor about all your medications and supplements, as you may need to stop certain ones before the surgery.

• Fasting for at least six hours before the procedure is typically required.

• Arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery. 

What happens during the surgery?  

During the surgery, you receive general anesthesia to ensure you are asleep and pain-free. The surgeon will make four small incisions in your abdomen, through which the laparoscope and other surgical instruments are inserted. The gallbladder is then detached and removed through one of the incisions. Finally, the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical glue. 

What can I expect during recovery?  

After surgery:

1. Expect mild pain managed with medication.

2. Start with clear liquids, then gradually reintroduce solid foods.

3. Resume light activities in a few days but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a couple of weeks.

4. Attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing. 

How can I reduce anxiety?  

To reduce anxiety about the surgery, educate yourself about the procedure and what to expect, communicate openly with your surgeon and consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. 

Make an appointment

Talk to your doctor to decide if Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is right for you.

Considering Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy? Here’s what you need to know. 

Thai Trinh, M.D., FAANA, Orthopedic Surgeon with Genesis Orthopedic Sports Medicine, recently earned the fellow designation from the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA). The designation demonstrates Trinh’s dedication to arthroscopy, a minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure, and his skill and leadership in the orthopedic field.

“We are pleased that Dr. Trinh’s efforts to provide high-quality orthopedic care using minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy have been recognized by the AANA,” said Carley Gutridge, Director, Genesis Orthopedic Services. “His skill, leadership and dedication to his patients make him an excellent surgeon, and we are proud he is part of our outstanding Orthopedic Team.”

The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) is an international professional organization of more than 5,000 orthopedic surgeons and other medical professionals who are committed to advancing the field of minimally invasive orthopedic surgery to improve patient outcomes.

Visit genesishcs.org/orthopedic to learn more about the Genesis Orthopedic Center and the Orthopedic Team.

Awarded by Arthroscopy Association of North America

Your feet carry you everywhere. Make sure you give them the love they deserve.

In addition to rating hospitals, Fortune Magazine and PINC AI also rate the Top 50 Heart Hospitals because heart disease is the deadliest thing facing adults in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.  

The seriousness of heart disease is also why, with your support, Genesis HealthCare System established the Heart & Vascular Institute. We adhere to the highest standards when recruiting physicians, surgeons and team members. We continually adopt proven new procedures and offer several minimally invasive options for common heart-related ailments.

Between the hundreds of team members who support our Heart & Vascular Institute and the thousands of community members who trust us with their health, we have the honor of being a Top 50 Heart Hospital for the second year in a row.

What does Top 50 Heart Hospital mean?

• 28% fewer acute myocardial infarction (AMI) deaths and 50% fewer coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) deaths.

• 32% fewer percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and 38% fewer CABG  patients with complications. Higher 30-day survival rates for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF) and CABG patients (0.3 to 0.7% higher).

• Higher 30-day survival rates for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF) and CABG patients (0.3 to 0.7% higher).

• Lower 30-day readmission rates for AMI, HF and CABG patients (0.4 to 0.8% points lower).

• Shorter average lengths of stay between patient groups – 0.3 for AMI, 0.6 for HF, 0.3 for PCI and one full day for CABG.

• $2,503 to $9,931 less in total costs per patient case.

• Patients had a better experience at top performing hospitals compared to the remaining peer hospitals, with a top-box Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) score of 71% versus 67%.

Between the hundreds of team members who support our Heart & Vascular Institute and the thousands of community members who trust us with their health, we have the honor of being a Top 50 Heart Hospital for the second year in a row.