McLaren Health Care
da Vinci Gallbladder Surgery

Minimally Invasive Gallbladder Removal

Gallbladder removal, known as a cholecystectomy, is the most common method for treating gallstones. Using robot-assisted surgery, only a single small incision in the belly button is needed to remove the patient's gallbladder through, making the procedure virtually scarless. The surgery can be performed in about one hour with a typical hospital stay of less than 24 hours.

Benefits of the robotic surgery procedure for gall bladder removal include:

• Minimal or no scarring
• Minimal pain
• Low blood loss
• Faster recovery
• A shorter hospital stay

Unlike traditional robotic surgeries requiring three to five small incisions, this new technology allows for a single incision where instruments are placed and the gallbladder is removed.

During the procedure, the surgeon uses robotic controls to manipulate the instruments and camera as the system translates the surgeon's hand, wrist and finger movements into more precise movements of the surgical instruments.

More than 1 million people in the U.S. have their gallbladder removed each year, typically because of gallbladder pain from gallstones and/or non-functioning gall-bladders. Most people who require gallbladder removal are candidates for the robotic, single-incision surgery.