Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)
Gallbladder disease and gallstones
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is recommended when gallstones, biliary sludge, or gallbladder dysfunction (biliary dyskinesia) cause upper-right abdominal pain after meals, nausea, vomiting, or acute inflammation (cholecystitis).
Minimally invasive gallbladder removal
Whenever appropriate, Dr. Campbell uses robotic-assisted and minimally invasive approaches to reduce surgical trauma and facilitate recovery. Most scheduled gallbladder operations are outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Gallbladder surgery is part of Dr. Campbell’s broader gastrointestinal and abdominal surgery practice.
Where surgery is performed
Dr. Campbell operates at AdventHealth Port Charlotte and Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.
We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
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).
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell
Call Charlotte Harbor Surgical in Port Charlotte. Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 noon.