Procedure · General Surgery
GallbladderRemoval
Laparoscopic and mini-cholecystectomy. ICG fluorescence imaging for added safety.
Gallbladder removal — cholecystectomy — is one of the most common general surgery procedures in the United States, and one of our most frequently performed operations. We use minimally invasive techniques and ICG fluorescence imaging to make the procedure as safe and recovery as fast as possible.
When gallbladder removal is the right answer.
The gallbladder stores bile that helps digest fats. When gallstones form, they can cause attacks of severe right-upper-abdominal pain (biliary colic), inflammation (cholecystitis), infection, or pancreatitis. Surgical removal — cholecystectomy — is the definitive treatment.
Common indications include:
- Symptomatic gallstones with recurrent pain attacks
- Acute or chronic cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
- Gallstone pancreatitis
- Biliary dyskinesia (functional gallbladder disorder)
- Gallbladder polyps that meet size or growth criteria
Most people digest food normally after the gallbladder is removed — bile simply flows directly from the liver into the intestine.
Two minimally invasive approaches.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Four small incisions (each less than half an inch), a camera, and specialized instruments. This is the standard approach for the majority of patients and typically allows same-day discharge with quick recovery.
Mini-cholecystectomy
A single 2–3 inch incision below the right ribs. An option for select cases — your surgeon will discuss whether it's appropriate based on your anatomy and history.
ICG fluorescence imaging
During laparoscopic surgery, we routinely use indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging. A small dose of fluorescent dye lights up the bile ducts under a special camera, giving the surgeon a clear real-time map of the anatomy and reducing the risk of injury to nearby structures. It's a small added measure that materially improves safety.
Recovery in plain language.
Most patients go home the same day. Light activity resumes within a few days; most people are back to desk work within a week and to fuller activity (including exercise and heavy lifting) within 2–3 weeks. The first few weeks may involve some adjustment to fatty meals, but long-term dietary restrictions are uncommon.
Call us with any concerning symptoms after surgery: persistent fevers, worsening pain, yellow discoloration of the skin or eyes, or drainage from the incisions. Most recoveries are uneventful, but prompt evaluation matters if anything is off.
Why Sulphur Surgical Clinic
Care close to home, by surgeons who have practiced here for decades.
i.
Three board-certified surgeons
Drs. Devin Seale, Stephen Castleberry, and Matthew Ayo — all MD, FACS, board-certified in General Surgery, in active full-time clinical practice and accepting new patients.
ii.
Two locations across Southwest Louisiana
Main office on Cypress Street in Sulphur; vein center satellite on West Sale Road in Lake Charles. Procedures performed in partnership with West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital and Imperial Calcasieu Surgical Center.
iii.
50 years caring for Calcasieu Parish
Founded in 1975, locally owned, family-run. Faster scheduling than hospital-based centers and a personal, surgeon-led experience — not a corporate system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions patients ask about this procedure.
Why might my gallbladder need to be removed?
The gallbladder stores bile that helps digest fats. When gallstones form, they can block the flow of bile and cause severe pain (biliary colic), inflammation (cholecystitis), pancreatitis, or infection. Removing the gallbladder relieves these problems. Most people digest food normally after surgery — the bile simply flows directly from the liver into the intestine.
What are my surgical options?
We offer two minimally invasive approaches. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy uses four small incisions (each less than half an inch), a camera, and specialized instruments — this is the standard approach for most patients. Mini-cholecystectomy uses a single 2–3 inch incision below the right ribs and is an option for select cases. Your surgeon will recommend the right approach based on your anatomy, symptoms, and any prior abdominal surgery.
What is ICG fluorescence imaging?
ICG (indocyanine green) fluorescence is a safety technology we use during laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. A small dose of fluorescent dye is given before the procedure; it lights up the bile ducts under a special camera so the surgeon can clearly identify the anatomy and reduce the risk of injuring nearby structures. It's a small added measure that materially improves safety.
Am I a candidate for laparoscopic or mini-cholecystectomy?
Most patients with symptomatic gallstones or chronic gallbladder disease are candidates for one of the minimally invasive approaches. Factors that influence the choice include the size and number of gallstones, any prior abdominal surgery, current inflammation, and your overall health. Your surgeon will review these with you at the consultation.
What is recovery like?
Most patients go home the same day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Light activity resumes within a few days; most people return to desk work within a week and to fuller activity within 2–3 weeks. Mini-cholecystectomy recovery is similar but with a slightly longer incision-healing window. You'll receive specific instructions about lifting, driving, and incision care.
Will I have to change my diet permanently?
Most patients return to a normal diet after the first few weeks. Some people find fatty meals more difficult to digest immediately after surgery — easing back into them gradually usually solves this. Long-term dietary restrictions are uncommon. If you do have persistent digestive symptoms, we'll evaluate them with you.
Why choose Sulphur Surgical Clinic?
Gallbladder surgery is one of our most frequently performed operations. We use ICG fluorescence imaging as a routine safety measure, offer two minimally invasive approaches, and provide surgeon-led care with faster scheduling than hospital-based surgical centers. Most patients are seen within two weeks of their first call.
Ready to schedule?
Most patients are seen within two weeks.
Sulphur main office: (337) 527-6363
Lake Charles vein center: (337) 425-9300