Expert Gallbladder Care Tailored Specifically for You
Our highly skilled, board-certified surgeons have specific interest in, and great passion for treating patients in need of gallbladder surgery. We offer the most advanced and innovative gallbladder procedures available, including laparoscopic approaches.
As our patient, you can expect to receive care that is individualized and tailored to your specific condition. We will listen to your concerns and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that delivers best-in-class gallbladder surgery with exceptional outcomes.
What is a Gallbladder removal surgery?
Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a very common procedure. The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ in the upper right part of your stomach, which stores fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fatty foods, called bile.
You don’t need a gallbladder, so surgery to take it out is often recommended if you develop any problems with it.
Why does my gallbladder need to be removed?
Surgery to remove the gallbladder is usually carried out if you have painful gallstones. These are small stones that can form in the gallbladder. Gallstones often cause no symptoms and you may not realize you have them, but occasionally they can block the flow of bile and irritate the gallbladder or pancreas.
This can cause symptoms such as:
- sudden and intense stomach pain
- feeling and being sick
- yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
Surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most effective treatment in the vast majority of cases.
Our surgeons will be happy to see you at this convenient location:
ChristianaCare General Surgery at Elkton
Singerly Medical Building
137 W. High Street, Suite 2B
Elkton, MD 21921-8611
For more information, or to make an appointment, call 443-305-5850.
Your Neighbors in Good Health. Meet Our Team.
The General Surgery team at Elkton is made up a group of extremely talented, dedicated and kindhearted surgeons in a wide range of specialties. From minimally invasive to traditional “open” surgeries — our team members have the experience and expertise to help you reach the best possible surgery outcomes.
Harish Kakkilaya, MD
Biography
Harish Kakkilaya, M.D., M.S., FRCS, FACS, is a compassionate and patient-oriented board-certified general surgeon. He treats adult and senior patients for a wide range of illnesses that require surgical intervention, including conditions that affect the abdomen and digestive system, among others. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery and treats numerous gastrointestinal conditions including hernia repair and gallbladder removal.
Dr. Kakkilaya earned his medical degree (Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Medicine) from Mysore Medical College in India and his Master of Surgery degree from the University of Bombay in India. He completed a residency in general surgery at BYL Nair Hospital in Mumbai, India, as well as general surgery residencies at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York and Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, PA. He also completed a fellowship in minimally invasive at Northwest and Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Prior to joining the Christiana Care team, Dr. Kakkilaya has held general surgeon roles at numerous academic medical centers in New Jersey.
Dr. Kakkilaya is excited to provide the highest quality of care to his patients and their families as a general surgeon at ChristianaCare. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.