Acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder that causes severe abdominal pain you feel on the on the upper right side or upper middle of the abdomen. The pain may be sharp, cramping or dull. It may come and go and spread to the back or below the right shoulder blade. You may feel abdominal fullness, have clay-colored stools, fever, nausea and vomiting. If you are experiencing these symptoms go see a doctor right away. You may need to have a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder and symptomatic gallstones. There are two types of cholecystectomy: open or laparoscopic. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred method used now a day. Listed below you will find expert gastroenterologists around Omaha that can give you more information.

Because gallbladder surgery is performed under general anesthesia, the stomach must be completely empty. This precaution is taken to avoid vomiting during and after surgery. Nothing may be taken by mouth after midnight, and smoking is prohibited.