Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) in Port Charlotte, FL
The gallbladder stores bile that helps digest fat. Gallstones can block the flow of bile and cause pain attacks, inflammation (cholecystitis) or other problems. When gallstones cause symptoms, removing the gallbladder, usually laparoscopically, is the standard treatment, and you can live normally without it. We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
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Symptoms of gallbladder disease
- Pain in the upper right or upper middle abdomen, often after fatty meals
- Pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder
- Nausea, vomiting or bloating with attacks
- Warning signs: fever or chills, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), or severe pain that lasts for hours
When to see a surgeon
See a surgeon if you have repeated gallbladder attacks, if an ultrasound shows gallstones and you have symptoms, or after an emergency room visit for gallbladder pain. Go to the emergency room for severe pain lasting hours, fever with pain, or jaundice.
What to expect
Your surgeon reviews your symptoms, ultrasound and blood work.
The gallbladder is usually removed laparoscopically through a few small incisions under general anesthesia. Rarely, a larger incision is needed for safety.
Most planned gallbladder operations are outpatient.
Recovery
Most people go home the same day, walk right away and return to light activity within days. Temporary shoulder discomfort from the gas used during surgery is common. Some people notice looser stools after fatty meals for a while.
Who performs this at Charlotte Harbor Surgical
John Guarino M.D., F.A.C.S., Matthew Tufts M.D., F.A.C.S., Vincent Brown M.D., and Charles Campbell D.O. perform this procedure. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at our Port Charlotte office.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live normally without my gallbladder?
Yes. The liver still makes bile, which flows directly into the intestine. Some people notice looser stools after fatty meals for a while, and this usually improves over time.
Do gallstones always need surgery?
No. Many people have gallstones that never cause symptoms and do not need treatment. Surgery is usually recommended when gallstones cause pain attacks, inflammation or other complications.
Will changing my diet make gallstones go away?
Eating smaller, lower-fat meals may reduce attacks for some people, but diet does not reliably dissolve gallstones. Once gallstones cause symptoms, they tend to come back.
How is the gallbladder removed?
Most gallbladders are removed laparoscopically through a few small incisions under general anesthesia. Rarely, the surgeon may need to switch to a larger incision for safety.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Go right away for severe upper abdominal pain that lasts for hours, pain with fever or chills, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Related services
Schedule a consultation
Call our Port Charlotte office at 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or request an appointment online.
Port Charlotte Location: 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Call (941) 391-5102 · Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 pm. If you need urgent care and you have decided to go to an emergency room please use AdventHealth Port Charlotte.