Robotic
Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal · Step by step · FAQ — Same-day procedure with rapid return to normal activity.
A robotic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed and safest surgeries today. Most patients go home the same day and are back to normal within a week.
A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder — a small, pear-shaped organ beneath the liver that stores bile. When gallstones form or the gallbladder becomes inflamed or infected, removal is often the most effective and permanent solution.
Using the da Vinci Surgical System, Dr. Rios performs this procedure through tiny incisions with unmatched precision and a magnified 3D view — resulting in less pain, minimal scarring, and a significantly faster recovery than open surgery.
You are placed under general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist. You will be completely asleep and feel nothing. The surgical team monitors your vitals continuously from start to finish.
Dr. Rios makes three to four small incisions — each less than half an inch. Thin hollow tubes called trocars are inserted, serving as entry points for the robotic instruments and camera.
The abdomen is gently inflated with carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas, creating space to safely see and maneuver around the gallbladder, liver, and surrounding structures.
The da Vinci cart is positioned and its arms connected to the ports. A 3D-HD camera gives Dr. Rios a magnified, immersive view of the surgical field. He controls all arms in real time from the surgeon console.
Before any cutting, Dr. Rios dissects the tissue around the gallbladder neck to achieve the "critical view of safety" — confirming the cystic duct and cystic artery are clearly identified. This essential step prevents injury to the common bile duct.
The cystic duct and artery are secured with titanium clips and precisely divided between them using robotic scissors, safely disconnecting the gallbladder from the bile duct and its blood supply.
Using robotic electrosurgical instruments, Dr. Rios carefully dissects the gallbladder away from the liver bed with superior visualization — minimizing bleeding and protecting surrounding structures.
The freed gallbladder is placed into a sterile retrieval bag and removed through one of the small port incisions — typically the belly button port, which is naturally concealed.
Dr. Rios confirms no bleeding or bile leakage, releases the CO₂ gas, removes the robotic arms, and closes the small incisions with absorbable sutures beneath the skin — no staples to remove later.
You are moved to the PACU where nurses monitor you as anesthesia wears off. Most patients are awake within 30–60 minutes. Pain is typically mild and well-controlled. Your family is notified as soon as the procedure is complete.
Not always immediately — but when gallstones cause recurring pain, inflammation, infection, or blockage of the bile duct or pancreatic duct, surgery is the most effective long-term solution. The gallbladder is not essential. After removal, your liver continues producing bile, which flows directly into the small intestine. The vast majority of patients live completely normally without a gallbladder.
Most patients describe the discomfort as mild to moderate. You may feel soreness around the incisions and possibly a dull ache in your right shoulder from CO₂ gas irritating the diaphragm — this typically resolves within 24–48 hours. Pain is well-managed with oral medications, and most patients are surprised by how comfortable they feel by the evening of surgery.
If Dr. Rios suspects a stone in the common bile duct, he may perform an intraoperative cholangiogram — a real-time X-ray to check for stones. If confirmed, it may be managed during the same surgery or addressed afterward with an endoscopic procedure (ERCP). This will be discussed with you in full detail before any decisions are made.
In rare circumstances — severe inflammation, unusual anatomy, or unexpected bleeding — Dr. Rios may convert to an open approach. This is not a complication; it is a safety-first decision. Conversion rates with experienced robotic surgeons are very low. Your safety always comes first.
Start with clear liquids the day of surgery and advance to soft, bland foods the next day. A low-fat diet for 2–4 weeks helps your digestive system adjust. Avoid greasy or heavily spiced foods early on. Most patients return to a completely normal diet within 4–6 weeks.
Desk workers typically return within 3–5 days. Physically demanding jobs generally require 2–3 weeks. Dr. Rios will give a personalized recommendation at your post-op visit.
Robotic cholecystectomy is one of the safest surgeries performed today. Risks include bleeding, infection, bile duct injury (rare, less than 0.5%), bile leak, and anesthesia-related risks. Robotic surgery reduces many of these risks compared to open surgery. Dr. Rios will review all risks and benefits with you during your consultation.