Gallbladder Removal Surgery (Cholecystectomy): What to Expect & Recovery

What is gallbladder removal surgery?

Your gallbladder stores bile under the liver. When stones or inflammation cause repeated pain or complications, doctors may recommend cholecystectomy. Most people recover fully and live normally without a gallbladder.

Risks & safety

• Bleeding or infection
• Bile leak or bile-duct injury
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Injury to nearby organs
• Blood clots (rare)

Types of surgery

• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy: four small incisions, camera-guided; faster recovery, minimal scarring, often same-day discharge.
• Open cholecystectomy: one larger incision; used when scarring or complications prevent laparoscopy; longer hospital stay.

Who needs surgery?

Surgery isn’t required for asymptomatic stones. It’s recommended for recurrent pain, infection, or blocked ducts.

Common symptoms: sudden right-upper abdominal pain (often after fatty meals), nausea/vomiting, pain to right shoulder/back, bloating/indigestion.

Recovery & self-care

• Laparoscopic: light activity in a few days; back to normal in ~1–2 weeks.
• Open: 3–5 day hospital stay; 6–8 weeks total recovery.
• Tips: low-fat foods at first, walk daily, avoid heavy lifting until cleared.

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TL;DR

• Why: painful gallstones, infection, or blocked ducts
• How: usually laparoscopic (minimally invasive)
• Recovery: 1–2 weeks laparoscopic; 6–8 weeks open
• Call your doctor if: fever, worsening pain, jaundice, persistent vomiting, incision redness/drainage

FAQ

Is gallbladder removal major surgery?

Laparoscopic removal is minimally invasive and usually outpatient. Open surgery is less common and requires a longer recovery.

How long is recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy?

Most people resume light activity in a few days and feel normal in 1–2 weeks. Open surgery may take 6–8 weeks.

Can you live normally without a gallbladder?

Yes. Bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine. Some people have temporary digestive changes that improve with a low-fat diet.