Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)

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. 

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

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.

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.

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

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: