Gallbladder Removal Patient Information

The medical term for the removal of your gallbladder is cholecystectomy. Your gallbladder may need to be removed due to gallstones or a condition call biliary dyskinesia, where your gallbladder is not functioning properly.

Preparation

Prior to your surgery, you must have blood tests, a chest x-ray, x-rays or ultrasound of your gallbladder and in some cases, you may be required to have an electrocardiogram.

Procedure

The procedure is done laparoscopically when possible, by way of several small incisions to allow the surgeon to use a surgical camera and instruments for the removal.

Hospital Stay

If your procedure is performed laparoscopically, you can usually go home the same day. However, if it is done by open surgery, you can expect to remain in the hospital between 2 to 6 days.

Recovery

With laparoscopic surgery, you may be able to return to your normal activities in about 1 week, compared to a 6- to 8-week recovery time with conventional surgery.

Risks

Risks for gallbladder surgery include infection and blood clots, as well as reactions to drugs or anesthesia that include breathing problems, nausea, heart problems and pneumonia.

References

• Gallbladder Removal
• Cholecystectomy