Gallbladder Cancer Surgery

Gallbladder cancer is a rare and potentially serious condition that begins in the gallbladder, a small pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. The gallbladder stores and releases bile, a thick liquid produced by the liver to aid the digestion of fat. The cancer occurs when gallbladder cells undergo harmful DNA changes that cause them to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. While the exact cause of these genetic mutations is not fully understood, scientists have identified several risk factors, including chronic gallbladder inflammation and gallstones.

Common symptoms of gallbladder cancer include abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice and unexplained weight loss, although early-stage tumors are often asymptomatic. Treatment can vary based on the stage of the tumor, but surgery is often the first-line approach for early-stage gallbladder cancer and offers the best chance for a cure. In some cases, surgery is combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy for heightened effectiveness.

Surgical treatment options for gallbladder cancer may include:

Simple cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer

A simple cholecystectomy involves removing the gallbladder in its entirety. This minimally invasive procedure may be considered to address an early-stage tumor that is confined to the inner layers of the gallbladder. For heightened surgical precision, the surgeon may perform a simple cholecystectomy with robotic assistance using the advanced da Vinci Surgical System.

By removing the gallbladder, a simple cholecystectomy can eliminate a localized tumor and reduce the risk of cancer spread. It is generally considered a low-risk procedure with a shorter recovery than more extensive surgeries.

How to prepare for simple cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer

Preparing for a simple cholecystectomy involves several steps to ensure a safe and effective procedure. The surgeon will conduct a thorough preoperative evaluation, including blood tests and imaging, to confirm the patient is ready for surgery. The surgeon may instruct the patient to begin fasting several hours before the procedure and adjust or temporarily discontinue certain medications, such as blood thinners. Closely following the surgeon’s instructions, including any guidance on bowel preparation and using an antiseptic wash, can minimize the surgical risks and promote a smooth surgery. The patient should also arrange for transportation home and support during their recovery.

What to expect after simple cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer

After a simple cholecystectomy, the patient can expect a relatively short recovery period, particularly if the procedure was performed laparoscopically. Mild pain and swelling around the incision site are common and can usually be managed with medication. Most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to their normal routine within a few weeks. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor recovery and ensure there are no complications. Dietary adjustments may be recommended to help the digestive system adapt to the absence of the gallbladder.

What are the risks and potential complications of simple cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer?

Simple cholecystectomy surgery carries general surgical risks, including excessive bleeding, infection and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Potential complications include bile leakage, injury to nearby organs and tissues, such as the liver and bile ducts, and blood clots. These risks are generally low, and the surgical team will take appropriate precautions to minimize any complications and ensure a safe and effective procedure.

Radical cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer

A more complex and extensive procedure than a simple cholecystectomy, a radical cholecystectomy may be considered to address advanced-stage gallbladder cancer that has spread beyond the organ. In addition to removing the gallbladder, the surgeon may remove a portion of the liver, some nearby lymph nodes and possibly other tissues or organs affected by the tumor. The goal is to eliminate the cancerous cells to ensure the best possible outcome and quality of life. In some cases, a radical cholecystectomy may be performed with robotic assistance.

How to prepare for radical cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer

Preparing for a radical cholecystectomy involves thorough preoperative planning and evaluation. The healthcare team will likely order imaging studies and blood tests to assess the extent of the tumor and the patient’s fitness for surgery. In addition to adjusting certain medications, such as blood thinners, the patient may need to follow a specific diet or fast before the procedure. A preoperative consultation with the surgeon, including a discussion about the surgery, recovery expectations and any lifestyle adjustments, can help the patient prepare both physically and mentally. It will also be important to arrange for post-surgical care and support during recovery.

What to expect after radical cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer

After a radical cholecystectomy, the patient can expect a lengthy recovery period due to the complexity of the procedure, including several days of hospitalization. Pain around the incision site is common and can usually be managed with medication. If the surgery affected the flow of bile, the patient may need to follow a special diet to help their digestive system adjust. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the patient’s progress and ensure there are no complications. Further treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may be considered depending on the stage of the tumor.

What are the risks and potential complications of radical cholecystectomy surgery for gallbladder cancer?

The risks of radical cholecystectomy surgery include bleeding, infection and adverse reactions to anesthesia. During the removal of the cancerous tissues, there is a slight chance of damage to the surrounding organs and tissues, such as the liver, bile ducts or intestines. Other possible complications include bile leakage, blood clots and issues with bile flow, which can lead to digestive problems. Close monitoring and care from the surgical team help minimize these risks.

Services and features at Moffitt McKinley Hospital include:

• Surgery operating and recovery rooms
• Radiology/diagnostic imaging
• Pathology and laboratory
• Publix Pharmacy
• Ancillary clinical services
• Patient and Family Center
• Café and cafeteria
• Gift shop

Biliary bypass surgery for gallbladder cancer

Biliary bypass surgery may be considered to address a nonresectable gallbladder tumor that is obstructing a bile duct, causing bile to back up into the liver. The surgeon will create a new pathway to reroute the flow of bile around the blocked duct, allowing it to pass freely from the liver to the intestines. While biliary bypass surgery does not treat the tumor itself, it can improve the patient’s quality of life by alleviating symptoms caused by a bile duct obstruction, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, itchy skin and digestive problems.

How to prepare for biliary bypass surgery for gallbladder cancer

To help ensure a safe and effective procedure, it is important to properly prepare for biliary bypass surgery. The medical team will likely conduct imaging studies and blood tests to evaluate the extent of the bile duct obstruction and the patient’s overall health. In addition to adhering to presurgical dietary restrictions and fasting guidelines, the patient may be advised to adjust or pause certain medications, such as blood thinners. An in-depth discussion with the surgeon about the procedure, potential risks and recovery expectations is essential. Additionally, the patient should arrange post-surgical support, such as transportation and help at home, to facilitate a smooth recovery.

What to expect after biliary bypass surgery for gallbladder cancer

After biliary bypass surgery, the patient can expect a hospital stay of several days to recover. Initially, they may experience pain or discomfort at the incision site, which can usually be managed with medications. Drainage tubes may be temporarily placed to help remove excess fluids. As the flow of bile is restored, improvements in symptoms such as jaundice and itchy skin will typically become noticeable. A special diet may be recommended to aid digestion, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor recovery and manage any complications. Additional treatments for gallbladder cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may also be discussed during recovery.

What are the risks and potential complications of biliary bypass surgery for gallbladder cancer?

Biliary bypass surgery carries certain risks and potential complications, including infection, bleeding and adverse reactions to anesthesia. There is also a risk of bile leakage, which can lead to inflammation or infection in the abdominal cavity. Injury to nearby organs, such as the liver or intestines, may occur during the procedure. Other possible complications include blood clots, delayed return of bowel function and bypass obstruction over time. Close monitoring and follow-up care help identify and manage these risks effectively.

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty team in Moffitt’s renowned Gastrointestinal Oncology Program ensures that every patient receives the benefit of several expert opinions. Surgical candidates can have peace of mind in knowing that our experienced, fellowship-trained surgeons have helped thousands of patients fight cancer and live better-quality lives. Additionally, through our robust portfolio of clinical trials, our patients have opportunities to be among the first to benefit from novel surgical techniques that are not yet performed elsewhere.

If you would like to learn more about gallbladder cancer surgery, you can request an appointment with a specialist in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.