Gallbladder removal

Definition

Gallbladder removal is surgery to remove the gallbladder. The surgery is usually done if the organ is inflamed or obstructed, if gallstones are causing pancreatitis, or if cancer is suspected.

Alternative Names

Open cholecystectomy; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Cholecystectomy

Indications

Gallbladder removal is usually done to treat the following conditions:

Convalescence

For open gallbladder removal, you will generally need about 2 weeks for recovery.

For laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, your hospital stay is likely to be shorter, and you may be home within 24 hours. Your recovery time is likely to be shorter as well.

Expectations after surgery

Most patients do very well and recover rapidly.

Risks

The risks for any anesthesia include:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing
The risks for surgery include:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Injury to the common bile duct
Cholecystitis, CT scan
Cholecystitis, CT scan
Cholecystitis, cholangiogram
Cholecystitis, cholangiogram
Cholecystolithiasis
Cholecystolithiasis
Gallbladder
Gallbladder
Gallbladder removal - series
Gallbladder removal - series
Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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