What it is
Gallbladder removal, also called cholecystectomy, is an operation to take out the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile, a fluid that helps digest food. Most people have keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, through a few small cuts.
Why it is done
Removal is often advised when gallstones cause problems, such as severe or frequent tummy pain, or nausea and vomiting. A stone can also block the bile duct, the small tube linking the gallbladder to the liver, which can inflame the gallbladder or cause jaundice (yellow skin and eyes). If gallstones cause no symptoms, an operation may not be needed.
What it helps with
- Gallstones
Inflamed gallbladder (cholecystitis)
Bile duct blocked by a gallstone
How to prepare
Do
- Stop eating and drinking at the time you are told, so your stomach is empty
- Tell the team if you might be pregnant, about every medicine you take, and if you have a cold or fever
- Ask which medicines to take on the day and which to stop beforehand
- Stop smoking if you can, because it slows healing
- Bring a list of your medicines, and arrange a lift home and someone to stay with you for 24 hours
Do not
- Do not stop or start any medicine yourself
- Do not drive yourself home
What happens
Keyhole surgery goes like this:
- You go into hospital on the day of the operation or the day before.
- You have a general anaesthetic, so you are asleep.
- The surgeon makes a small cut below the belly button and a few more on the right of the tummy.
- A thin tube with a camera goes in, and small tools passed through the other cuts remove the gallbladder. This usually takes about an hour.
- The cuts are stitched and covered, and you rest in a recovery room until you are fully awake.
Open surgery, with one larger cut, is used if the gallbladder is very inflamed, if keyhole surgery is not possible, or if it proves unsafe during the operation. It can mean more pain and a longer recovery.
Afterwards
Most people go home the same day, and some stay overnight, or longer if there is bleeding, severe pain or fever. The wounds are sore for a few days, and you will have painkillers. Eat a normal, healthy diet, with smaller meals at first if easier. Build up light activity gradually and avoid strenuous exercise. Many people return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, longer if the job involves heavy lifting. Do not drive until you can make an emergency stop without pain.
See a doctor urgently if you have:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Pus, redness or swelling at a wound
- Yellow skin or eyes
- A swollen, tender or cramping leg
- A very high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shivery
Leg pain and swelling with breathlessness or chest pain may mean a clot in the lungs. Get emergency care.
Risks and side effects
Gallbladder removal is common and generally safe, but every operation carries risks, which depend on your age and health. They include:
- Wound infection, treated with
- A blood clot in the leg
- Damage to the bile ducts, blood vessels or bowel, which may need further surgery
- Bile leaking into the tummy, which is rare and needs another operation
- Gallstones left behind, causing pain or jaundice
- Inflammation of the pancreas
Some people have nausea, vomiting, indigestion, tummy pain or diarrhoea afterwards. These usually improve soon, but tell the team if they carry on.
Results and what comes next
Most people recover quickly with good results. The team will tell you if you need a follow-up visit, for example to remove stitches. Some dissolve by themselves.
If symptoms continue after you have healed, or yellow skin or pain returns, see your doctor. You may need tests.
Questions to ask your doctor
Tick the ones you want answered and take them with you.
Common questions
Can I eat normally without a gallbladder?
Yes. Most people eat a normal, healthy diet afterwards, and smaller meals may be easier for the first few days. Some people have nausea, indigestion, tummy pain or diarrhoea for a while. Tell your doctor if these carry on.
Is keyhole surgery better than open surgery?
Keyhole surgery is the most common method, and it generally means a quicker recovery and fewer problems than open surgery. Open surgery is used when the gallbladder is very inflamed or keyhole surgery is not possible. The surgeon may switch to open surgery during the operation if keyhole surgery is not safe.
When can I go back to work and drive?
Many people return to work 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, though a job with heavy lifting or long periods of standing may need longer. Do not drive until you can make an emergency stop without pain or discomfort. Your team will advise you for your own case.
Do I need the operation if my gallstones cause no symptoms?
Gallstones that cause no symptoms may not need an operation. Surgery is usually advised when they cause problems such as severe or frequent tummy pain. Your doctor will explain whether it is right for you.
