Same-Day Gallbladder Surgery [Joel Perry]

In this video, Joel Perry shares his experience with same-day gallbladder surgery at Brookings Health System. He discusses his symptoms, diagnosis process, surgery day experience, and recovery. This page provides an overview of same-day gallbladder removal and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

  • What same-day gallbladder surgery means: The gallbladder is removed and the patient returns home the same day without an overnight hospital stay.
  • How gallbladder problems are diagnosed: Imaging such as ultrasound and blood work help confirm gallbladder issues before surgery is recommended.
  • Patient experience matters: Professional, caring staff and clear communication can help ease anxiety on surgery day.
  • Recovery and activity: Many patients are able to resume light activity quickly and may travel or return to normal routines soon after surgery.
  • Local convenience: Having surgery close to home can reduce stress and eliminate the need to travel to a larger metropolitan hospital.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day gallbladder surgery is a procedure in which the gallbladder is removed and the patient goes home the same day. It is commonly performed using minimally invasive techniques and does not typically require an overnight hospital stay.

Gallbladder removal is recommended when imaging and blood work confirm gallbladder dysfunction and symptoms persist. Common symptoms include feeling unwell after eating, digestive discomfort, or abnormal lab results.

In some cases, dietary changes may help manage mild gallbladder symptoms. However, when imaging and lab results show gallbladder dysfunction and symptoms continue, surgical removal is often the definitive treatment.

As with any surgery, risks may include pain, infection, bleeding, or reactions to anesthesia. Most patients recover well, especially when the procedure is performed using minimally invasive techniques and followed by proper post-operative care.

Most patients go home the same day and are encouraged to stay active within limits. Light movement may support healing, and patients are typically advised to avoid heavy lifting initially. Many people notice symptom improvement after surgery, especially when combined with recommended dietary adjustments.

Video Transcript

My name is Joel Perry. I am from Brookings. I've lived here my entire life and I work for the City of Brookings. My kids are grown up so I'm lucky enough, I get to kind of do what I want when the wife lets me. But I like to work on old cars, vintage cars.

What procedure brought you to Brookings Health System?

Last year, I just started not feeling good, not feeling right. I would eat and didn't feel good, food didn't taste good, so I started to think that maybe I should probably talk to somebody about that. That's why I came to Brookings Health System and consulted with my doctor.

How were you diagnosed with gallbladder issues?

They did the imaging, also did some blood work. I had an ultrasound, thank goodness I wasn't pregnant. I found that out, but yeah, no. They did the imaging and blood work testing like that and they figured out that my numbers were down a little bit and they recommended that I have my gallbladder removed. So we did, a week before I left on vacation.

How did the staff make you feel comfortable?

The day of surgery I came in. It was very professional, they met me at the door, took my bag. Obviously you're nervous, I mean, I've never been through anything like this before and they were great, wonderful, caring. You know, a little sense of humor on the side to kind of break the ice. Very comfortable. I had no issues at all between Dr. Johnson and the staff here letting me know where I was at, what they thought was happening. They were very helpful, very professional.

How was your recovery from gallbladder removal?

The recovery was good. I mean, anytime you have surgery like that they're poking and prodding in places and I was able to manage it and it's probably good that I was active and moving around. I think it helped with the healing process. They had no problems with me going off and we did, we took a vacation. We were actually driving and we drove 4,000 miles in just over a week. And so it was a lot of sitting in the car. It was good.

What changes did you notice following surgery?

After the surgery, I felt better. And as a continued prognosis to get better, to feel better, Dr. Johnson suggested I try a different diet and put that into play. Been feeling a lot better.

Why was local surgery important to you?

I wanted to come to Brookings Hospital because it is local, same-day surgery. I got to go home. I didn't have to go down to a large metropolitan hospital and try to find my way around and not knowing anybody or stuff like that. Great service here. I wanted to come here because I knew that Brookings Health System has good service right in Brookings. There's no need to go anywhere else.

Would you recommend same-day surgery at Brookings Health System?

I've had a great experience here and I tell other people about it. I've never had anything negative. I've lived here my whole life, you know, so I've doctored here my whole life. I've never been anywhere else for anything. I've always had a great experience. The staff is wonderful and helpful, informative. I don't see a need to go anywhere else. Why? You know, it's right here.

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