Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)

Doctors perform gallbladder surgery, also called cholecystectomy, when hard deposits form and get stuck in the gallbladder (called gallstones) and cause pain and other symptoms.

What Is Cholecystectomy?

The gallbladder is a small, thin-walled, pear-shaped pouch-like organ in the upper right of the stomach, just under the liver. It stores bile, the liver's digestive fluid, which helps the body break down and absorb fats from food.

When gallstones block bile flow, it causes inflammation, which may cause pain and other symptoms. Fortunately, the body can function normally without a gallbladder; removing it usually does not cause complications. The two ways to perform cholecystectomy are laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy and open cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal is the most effective treatment for painful gallstones. However, it is essential to note that not all people with gallstones require cholecystectomy.

What Is Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy?

Laparoscopic or keyhole cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the gallbladder surgeon makes small incisions around the abdominal area and inserts a laparoscope (a long, thin telescope with a light and camera at the end) to view and operate on the gallbladder while the patient is under general anesthesia. Patients may be able to go home on the same day of the procedure.

Unlike traditional surgery or open cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy requires smaller incisions without cutting the muscles of the abdomen. Some of the benefits of laparoscopic cholecystectomy are:

Less pain after surgery
Shorter hospital stay
Shorter recovery time, allowing patients to return to work more quickly
Less noticeable scars

What Is Open Cholecystectomy?

In an open cholecystectomy, the surgeon makes a larger incision to view the gallbladder and separate it from the other organs while the patient is under general anesthesia. Doctors usually recommend open cholecystectomy if the patient has a lot of scar tissue around the abdomen from a previous surgery and cannot have keyhole surgery. A gallbladder surgeon may also turn a laparoscopic gallbladder surgery into an open cholecystectomy during the operation if the gallbladder cannot be removed safely through minimally invasive techniques. The patient may need to stay longer in the hospital after the procedure compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

How Long Does Gallbladder Surgery Take?

Gallbladder removal surgery takes about one to two hours of operative time. However, cholecystectomy in patients with obesity and previous abdominal operations may take longer.

What To Expect After Gallbladder Removal?

The length of a patient's stay in the hospital depends on the type of cholecystectomy performed and the outcome of the surgery. The patient has to stay in the hospital longer if there is bleeding, pain or fever. Some of the following symptoms may occur as the patient recovers from the surgery:

Pain from the incision takes a few weeks before it subsides
Sore throat from the breathing tube. Taking throat lozenges may help to soothe the discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Loose stools after eating, which can last for four to eight weeks
Bruising around the wound that will eventually go away on its own
Skin redness around the edge of the wound
A small amount of watery or dark bloody fluid from the incision is expected for several days after surgery

Most people recover quickly and return to regular activities after four to eight weeks. However, take extra precautions when:

Lifting objects heavy enough to cause pain or pull at the incision
Performing any activities that may cause strain and pressure on the incisions
Taking short walks and using stairs

Following the doctor's instructions on wounds and self-care can help prevent complications and encourage recovery. Some of the post-surgery symptoms to watch out for include:

Having a fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Surgical wound that is bleeding, red or warm to the touch
Surgical wound that has thick, yellow or green drainage
Pain that does not go away with medicines
Trouble breathing
Having a cough that does not go away
Loss of appetite
Having skin or the white part of the eyes turn yellow
Gray or clay-colored stools

Contact your provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of these symptoms after your cholecystectomy procedure.

How Long Is Recovery From Gallbladder Surgery?

For most people, recovering from laparoscopic cholecystectomy usually takes two to six weeks, while gallbladder surgery recovery time for open cholecystectomy usually takes four to eight weeks. However, patients may be able to get back to their normal activities in a week or two.

Recommendations

Gallbladder removal surgery, especially laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is considered a safe and standard procedure. However, as with any surgery, gallbladder removal surgery, although rare, could lead to complications, such as bleeding, infection, injury and bile leakage.

Talk to your surgeon about the risks and the type of gallbladder removal surgery that is best for you. Consider asking your doctor the following questions if you have been diagnosed with a gallbladder condition:

Do I need to have my gallbladder removed?
Which type of surgery is best for me?
What are the risks of laparoscopic surgery?
How long will I be in the hospital?
How long will it take for me to recover?
What are the signs of complications?

If you experience symptoms of gallstones, talk to your doctor about your options and which course of action is best for your condition. Please do not delay care. We're here for you, always.