Gallbladder Removal Surgery

January 19, 2023

3 min read

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped, small organ located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The liver is responsible for producing bile, which is a key digestive fluid. The gallbladder is responsible for collecting and storing the bile until it is ready to be used during digestion.

Nearly 700,000 people in the United States alone experience significant gallbladder issues, requiring them to undergo surgery to remove the gallbladder.

What is a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is a surgical treatment that involves the skilled removal of one’s gallbladder under general anesthesia. Removal of the gallbladder is a routine surgery that is commonly performed when a person has gallstones, infection, inflammation, or other issues that can create serious damage. There are two surgical approaches used when removing a person’s gallbladder — open and laparoscopic.

What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a surgeon will make 3 to 4 small incisions in predetermined locations on the abdomen. Through these incisions, small tools are inserted, including a laparoscope (camera), a suction catheter, and small pincher tools. The camera is displayed on a larger television monitor to allow the surgeon to view the body from within and carefully remove the gallbladder through one of the incisions.

What is an open cholecystectomy?

When a laparoscopic approach is contraindicated, or there is significant infection or damage seen with the laparoscope, a surgeon performs an open cholecystectomy. This approach involves a 4 to 6-inch incision made alongside the upper right quadrant, allowing the surgeon to visualize the gallbladder for removal. An open cholecystectomy also allows the surgeon to clear any infection present in surrounding tissues without the need for additional procedures.

Why is the gallbladder removed?

Gallbladder removal is a commonly performed procedure. It may be indicated if you have gallstones if your gallbladder is inflamed, if the infection is present, or if your gallbladder is home to cancerous cells. Gallstones can wreak havoc on the body. If they are too large, the crystal stones can obstruct the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, leading to increased inflammation. Gallstones can also dislodge from the gallbladder and travel to other areas of the body, potentially causing serious problems.

Symptoms of gallbladder problems

It may be time to reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience:

Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen
Pain on the right side that radiates to the back or right shoulder
Pain that worsens after a meal
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin)

How to prepare for a cholecystectomy

Before surgery, you will undergo various testing including an abdominal ultrasound to visualize gallstones or inflammation, bloodwork to determine if the infection is present or if there are unseen concerns, and a urinalysis to detect the presence of certain enzymes that can alert to gallbladder disorders.

If your healthcare team agrees that it is medically necessary for your gallbladder to be removed through surgical means, you will be given strict instructions to follow in the hours before surgery. It is generally recommended to restrict food consumption at least 4 hours before surgery, but your doctor may suggest stopping food intake by midnight on the morning of your surgery. You may take a small sip of water to take medically necessary medications.

If you are a smoker, your doctor will talk to you about the risks associated with smoking and cholecystectomy and may advise you to quit.

What to expect after the gallbladder removal surgery

Those who undergo laparoscopic gallbladder removal, without complications, go home the same day of surgery and should have someone stay with them for the first 24 hours, but those who require an open cholecystectomy often require a 1-2 day stay in the hospital.

The small pear-shaped organ is not a vital organ and there are no major changes to the body after it is removed. It is recommended to avoid foods that are high in fat or fried immediately after surgery as they can lead to increased discomfort, gas, and bloating but the digestive system will remain to function as normal.

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General information, not medical advice

This article can't account for your health history or current treatment. Talk to a qualified clinician before you change anything about your care.

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