What to Know About Gallbladder Surgery

Mohd Raashid Sheikh, MHA, MD, a surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, explains what you should know about gallbladder surgery and recovery.

The gallbladder is one of the organs in the human body that gets little attention until it becomes a problem. And they become problematic often.

Gallbladder removal surgery, which is also called a cholecystectomy, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. Thankfully, the surgery is relatively simple, the recovery is quick and most people never notice that their gallbladder is gone. Here are some things to know about the process.

What is a gallbladder?

The gallbladder is a small organ under the liver’s right lobe. Part of the digestive system, the gallbladder stores bile and releases it to help the body digest fats.

Why remove a gallbladder?

The most common reason people undergo gallbladder removal surgery is because they develop gallstones, which are hardened bits of bilirubin or cholesterol, that can become painful. Other reasons people have their gallbladders removed include pancreatitis, gallbladder polyps or gallbladder cancer.

What is gallbladder removal surgery like?

Gallbladder removal surgery is now performed laparoscopically, which is a minimally invasive procedure. In this procedure, surgeons make four small incisions in the patient’s belly. Through those holes they insert small instruments and a laparoscope that allows them to see what they are doing. The patient’s belly is expanded by blowing carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen for better viewing.

How long does gallbladder removal surgery take?

Both the surgery and the healing are very fast. The surgery typically takes about an hour, and patients generally go home later that day.

Do surgeons or robots perform gallbladder surgery?

Some surgeons remove gallbladders with the help of surgical robots. This is still a laparoscopic procedure, but the surgical instruments and camera are controlled by a robot that is manipulated by a surgeon using controllers and a viewing screen.

There are some exceptions to laparoscopic surgery.

Though more than 92% of gallbladder removals are done laparoscopically, there are times when surgeons must revert to an open approach, which means they must make a large incision in the belly up to six inches long to access the gallbladder. This can happen if there is a complication, such as bleeding, or in the case of people who have other conditions that make the surgery more complex.

What is the recovery time for gallbladder surgery?

Laparoscopic surgery has made recovery from gallbladder removal quicker and easier, and it dramatically reduces the risk of infection following surgery. Assuming no complications, recovery from gallbladder removal takes days, rather than weeks, when done laparoscopically. Many people have shoulder pain after surgery, but it is usually not severe. Some people take over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol, but that is usually the extent of medication needed.

Most people can resume the tasks of daily life like driving, cooking or going to work at a desk job in about three or four days. People with more physically challenging work will need guidance from their doctor about returning to work. Many people will go back to their exercise routine within a week or two, but it might be advisable to take it easy at first.

Why is my stomach bigger after gallbladder surgery?

Also, it takes a little time for the gas used during surgery to dissipate, so the belly may remain distended, or bloated feeling, for a while. Some people may have excess gas or loose stools for several weeks, but the body adapts after time.

What to eat after gallbladder surgery

Some people find it is helpful to adopt a post-gallbladder removal diet of avoiding very fatty foods and heavy meals.

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