UF Health Surgeon and laparoscopic surgery specialist Michael Latzko offers patients the advantages of minimally-invasive treatments – many of which aid in the reduction or elimination of common issues of the colon, stomach, bowel and pancreas. One procedure Dr. Latzko and his team offer is that of gallbladder surgery – or complete gallbladder removal.
So, what leads to problems with the gallbladder – those that would necessitate its removal? Dr. Michael Latzko explains, gallbladder issues:
· Generally result from the presence of gallstones – small, hard formations made primarily of bile salts and cholesterol which appear in the gallbladder.
· Often result in the blockage of flow of bile out of the gallbladder, which can lead to swelling, sharp pain in the abdomen, indigestion, vomiting and sometimes fever.
· Can lead to jaundice – a yellowish discoloration of the skin.
· Tend to result from a number of risk factors, including prior pregnancies, 40+ years of age, obesity and being female.
