What is Gallbladder Surgery?

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 Gallbladder surgery (cholecystectomy) is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. This is a common treatment of symptomatic gallstones and other gallbladder conditions.  

Your doctor may recommend gallbladder surgery if you have:

• Gallstones in the gallbladder (cholelithiasis)
• Gallstones in the bile duct (choledocholithiasis)
• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
• Large gallbladder polyps
• Pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) due to gallstones

To prepare for the procedure, your surgeon may ask you to:

• Avoid eating and drinking at least four hours before your surgery.
• Stop taking certain medications and supplements.
• Bring a bag of personal items with you.
• Ask a friend or family member to drive you to and from the hospital, and possibly stay over for the first night.

After surgery, you'll be taken to a hospital room to recover. Most people are able to go home same-day. As long as the anesthesia wears off, they're able to eat and drink without pain, and they can walk un-aided, they will be discharged. It will take about a week to fully recover from the procedure.

Risks associated with gallbladder surgery can include:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia or other drugs
• Excessive bleeding
• Blood clots
• Damage to blood vessels
• Heart problems, such as rapid heart rate, heart attack, or heart failure
• Infection
• Injury to the bile ducts or small intestine
• Pancreatitis