A general surgery procedure in which the entire gallbladder is removed due to gallstones, inflammation, or polyps. Most often performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive).
Indication
- Symptomatic gallstones (cholelithiasis): recurrent abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea
- Acute or chronic cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
- Gallbladder polyps (especially those larger than 10 mm or rapidly growing)
- Following gallstone-related pancreatitis (biliary pancreatitis)
- Gallstones in the common bile duct accompanied by gallbladder stones
- Porcelain gallbladder (calcified wall) — due to cancer risk
- Biliary dyskinesia (gallbladder dysfunction) in selected cases
Preparation
- No food or drink for 8 hours before the procedure (fasting from midnight)
- Blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, novel anticoagulants) are adjusted with physician approval
- Blood tests, ECG, abdominal ultrasonography; MRCP if needed
- Anesthesia consultation is performed; chronic conditions are reviewed
- Abdominal area is prepared before the procedure; embolism prophylaxis is planned
How it's performed
- General anesthesia is administered; vital signs are continuously monitored
- In the laparoscopic approach, small (5-10 mm) incisions are made around the navel and upper abdomen
- The abdominal cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a working space
- Using a camera and fine surgical instruments, the gallbladder is separated from the liver, and the cystic duct and artery are clipped and divided
- The gallbladder is removed through the umbilical port; bleeding is controlled and a drain is placed when necessary
- In open surgery, the same steps are performed through a 10-15 cm incision in the right upper abdomen
Post-procedure
- After laparoscopic surgery, discharge is usually on the same or following day
- Liquids and light food for the first 24-48 hours; gradual return to normal diet thereafter
- Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for 1-2 weeks; early walking is encouraged
- Outpatient follow-up at 7-10 days for wound care, suture removal, or absorbable suture check
- Temporary indigestion may occur after fatty meals; this resolves with time in most patients
Risks
- Bleeding, hematoma, or wound infection
- Bile duct injury (rare, reported at approximately 1-3 per 1,000 cases)
- Bile leak; bowel, vascular, or adjacent organ injury (rare)
- Conversion to open surgery (due to adhesions, anatomical difficulty, or bleeding)
- Anesthesia reactions, deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism (rare)
FAQ
Will my digestion be impaired after my gallbladder is removed?
The liver continues to produce bile, which flows directly into the small intestine. Most people return to a normal diet; a small number experience temporary bloating or diarrhea after fatty meals during the first weeks.
Is laparoscopic or open surgery preferred?
The laparoscopic approach is the current standard, providing less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. Open surgery may be required in cases of adhesions, advanced inflammation, or complications.
When can I return to work?
A return to office work is generally possible within 1 week, and 2-3 weeks for those with heavy physical jobs. The exact timeline depends on the surgical method and recovery pace.
Do I need to follow a special diet after surgery?
Fatty, fried, and spicy foods are reduced during the first weeks. A balanced, normal diet is then resumed; a permanent dietary restriction is not required for most people.
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