• During this procedure the gallbladder is removed with the stones it contains. 
• The gallbladder function is to concentrate the bile made by the liver.
• Removing the gallbladder has no negative effects on the body.
• A small number of people do experience looser stools for a period of time after the gallbladder surgery.  This usually goes away with time.
• There will be four cuts made to take the gallbladder out and these are in the umbilicus(1), under the xyphoid(1) (where the two rib cages meet) and under the R rib cage (2)
• If you have any questions or problems do not hesitate to call Dr. Lugo or his nurse
• On occasions the gallbladder can not be taken laparoscopically and the old procedure has to be used.  This means a larger incision in the r upper abdomen and a 1-2 day stay in the hospital.
• The purpose of removing the gallbladder that is sick is to alleviate the pain and if the disease are stones to prevent them from getting out and causing obstruction of the bile ducts and/or pancreatitis.
• The gallbladder sometimes is removed due to a condition called biliary dyskinesia.  This is a diagnosis by exclusion (everything else has been discarded as the cause of pain).  In this case the only problem the pt has is pain and it is due to an abnormality in the emptying of the gallbladder and its contractility.
• If the doctor suspects that stones have come out of the gallbladder, he may order and MRCP (MRI to evaluate the bile ducts) or ERCP (done by GI specialists, consists of an endoscopy to evaluate bile ducts), before the surgery

Before Surgery

1. Avoid aspirin and discontinue any blood thinners 5-7 days before surgery.
2. Take a shower the night before surgery and pay special attention to the umbilicus.  Wash it well deep inside
3. Avoid alcohol and smoking for 1-2 weeks before surgery if possible.  Also after surgery.
4. Make sure all your questions are answered by the doctor or nurse and that you understand what you are getting done.
5. Do not bring any valuables to the hospital the day of surgery
6. Plan on going home the same day, but have a bag in the event that you had to stay 24 hr.
7. IF you have any questions or problems call Dr. Lugo’s nurse at 281- 737 -0970.

After Surgery

1. Wash wounds daily with water and soap and nothing else.
2. The glue will peel off over time. If you had the open surgery still wash the wound daily.
3. Make sure you a follow-up appointment.
4. Go slow advancing your diet even though you have no restrictions.
5. Do not drive until you are off the pain pills.
6. Call Dr. Lugo if you  have any worsening of pain, fever or any other symptom that is new or worsening.
7. Some people experience loose stools after eating fatty food. This is normal and will correct itself.  LEt Dr Lugo Know if this is happening.