4 Steps to Take If Skin Cancer Runs in Your Family
Having a relative diagnosed with skin cancer like melanoma can naturally be concerning. Read on to learn more about how that affects your risk and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
How Minimally Invasive Surgery Works to Remove Your Gallbladder
No one looks forward to gallbladder surgery. The good news is minimally invasive procedures allow for removal with less discomfort and a faster recovery.
As a certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist, Dr. Trevan Fischer employs state-of-the-art techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries at his private practice in Santa Monica, California. He treats a variety of issues ranging from the gallbladder to skin cancer in all cases employing current best practices he stays abreast of through his work on clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder is small and shaped like a pear. It is located in the upper right area of the abdomen, just under the liver. It works as part of the digestive system, storing bile and releasing it into the first part of the small intestine when you eat. Once there, it aids in digesting fats.
Issues
Several problems can affect the gallbladder, including gallstones, inflammation, and more. Symptoms can vary depending on the diagnosis but may include pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice, nausea, fever, or chills.
Treatment
In many cases, treatment involves the removal of the gallbladder. Fortunately, the gallbladder is not a vital organ, so the bile can go from the bile ducts straight into the digestive system instead of being stored in the gallbladder.
Surgery
After a proper diagnosis and it is determined the gallbladder needs to be removed, there are several surgical options.
Traditional surgery
In individuals with a severely inflamed or scarred gallbladder, one large incision is made for removal during a procedure called an open cholecystectomy.
Minimally invasive surgery
Most often, minimally invasive surgery, known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is performed. This procedure typically begins with several small incisions. A camera is fed into the area to deliver a 3D view of the surgical field in real-time. Next tiny tools are inserted, and the surgery is performed with the help of the camera and a video monitor.
Minimally invasive surgery comes with many benefits. The smaller incisions result in decreased blood loss and scarring. There is also less tissue damage to the surrounding areas, and healing occurs more quickly. Finally, this procedure has a reduced risk of infection.
If you have been diagnosed with a gallbladder issue that requires removal, Dr. Fischer can help. Click to book an appointment or call the office to determine if minimally invasive surgery is right for you. Our friendly staff is pleased to assist you, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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