As many as 20 million Americans suffer from pain caused by gallstones, which form when there is a chemical imbalance in the gallbladder. Though health care providers are not exactly sure why some people develop gallstones and others do not, there are a number of causes including obesity, pregnancy, a high-fat diet and family history, to name a few. While some people may experience no symptoms of gallstones, when the gallstone inflames the gallbladder it can be very painful and even lead to infection. Gallbladder removal surgery offers patients relief from pain and is offered today as a minimally invasive procedure. From reducing not only the length of the incision with traditional surgery, but the number of incisions with laparoscopic surgery, single-site DaVinci Robotic Surgery can help patients get back to their active lives with less pain and a faster recovery after surgery.
Lovelace Medical Group board-certified general surgeon, Dr. Mario Leyba has led robotic gallbladder surgery in New Mexico and has completed the most single-site robotic surgeries at 250. He is the only surgeon in Albuquerque offering single-site gallbladder removal to patients. “I did the first ever single-incision DaVinci Robotic gallbladder removal in New Mexico in 2013,” says Dr. Leyba. His expertise is valuable not only to his patients, but to other surgeons as well. “I proctor and teach other surgeons in New Mexico, Colorado and Texas how to use the DaVinci Robotic Surgical System.”
Dr. Leyba says that of the 750 gallbladder removal surgeries he has performed, he prefers robotic surgery. “I believe it has many advantages for me and my patients,” he adds. “All the methods to remove gallbladders are safe and effective when done properly, but there are differences in the visible scar, pain, recovery, technology advances and intra-operative visualization.” Being able to see with high-definition cameras, Dr. Leyba guides the surgical instruments during the procedure for smaller, more precise movements. “I also use special robotic technology to get a ‘road map’ of the bile ducts without any incisions on the bile ducts. It is used to help prevent injury at time of surgery by identifying anatomy and I can do it as many times I want during the procedure.”
With a single incision, Dr. Leyba says patients have a very minimal visual reminder of the surgery. “I am able to safely remove the gallbladder and hide the scar inside the belly button for an excellent cosmetic result.”
Symptoms of Gallstones Pain and Infection
You may be experiencing pain from gallstones if the pain is located in your upper right abdomen, behind the ribs. Most patients say the pain starts suddenly, and then migrates around to the side to the right upper back or back shoulder area. Typically, the pain is noticed after meals and can last as persistent pain for one to five hours straight. Some people experience nausea, vomiting and fever with inflammation or an infection associated with gallstones. Other common symptoms associated with a gallstone blocking a bile duct include jaundice, dark urine and light-colored stools.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Leyba, please call 505-727-7050. Same-day appointments are based on availability.