Gallbladder surgery – also known as cholecystectomy – is used to treat gallstones, cancer and other disorders that affect the gallbladder. The gallbladder is the organ that stores excess bile not immediately needed for digestion. About 500,000 Americans have gallbladder surgery every year in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

This surgery can be performed as either laparoscopy or traditional open surgery. During laparoscopy, several small incisions are made in the abdomen and a thin, tube-like instrument called a laparoscope is inserted into the body. A camera and light attached to the laparoscope provide images of the gallbladder that are transmitted to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to view the abdominal cavity while removing the gallbladder. This technique is used in the vast majority of gallbladder surgeries because it is less invasive and reduces scarring and the potential for post-surgical pain and complications.

In some cases, infection or other obstacles (such as severe inflammation of the gallbladder or scarring from other surgeries) may prevent the use of laparoscopy. Traditional open surgery will then be performed, and the patient will likely experience a longer hospital stay and an extended recovery period.

Gallbladder surgery typically takes place in a hospital. Prior to the procedure, patients should follow any preparatory recommendations made by their physician. These may include changes to dietary and medication regimens. Patients will also be placed under general anesthesia before surgery, which means they are unconscious and do not experience pain during the procedure.

Most patients who have gallbladder surgery experience few complications. However, a significant percentage of patients will have diarrhea. This can be reduced by using antidiarrheal medications and making certain dietary changes.

Gallbladder surgery sometimes results in injury to the bile ducts. When this occurs, it may cause the bile duct to leak bile, resulting in a painful infection. If the injury is significant enough, additional surgery may be required to repair it.

Recovery from gallbladder surgery varies depending on which procedure was performed. Patients who undergo laparoscopy usually spend a single night in the hospital. Open surgery typically requires a hospital stay of between two days and one week. In both cases, patients may be asked to restrict their activities for a certain time period.

Gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy,  is a procedure used to treat conditions that affect the gallbladder. The gallbladder is an organ that  stores excess bile not immediately needed for digestion.

About 500,000 Americans have this surgery every year in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). It is most often performed to remove gallstones that trigger symptoms and conditions such as pancreatitis.

Gallstones are formed from either cholesterol or bilirubin. The gallbladder may contain a few or many gallstones, which can range in size from microscopic to several inches in diameter. Gallstones may develop in people of any age, gender or ethnic background.

Recent research also indicates that excess abdominal fat increases the likelihood that women will require gallbladder surgery.

The surgery can be performed as either laparoscopy or traditional open surgery. In laparoscopy, surgery is performed using a thin tube that is attached to a camera and inserted into the body. Because this technique uses small incisions, it is not necessary to cut the abdominal muscles. This reduces scarring and the potential for post-surgical pain and complications.

In some cases, infection or other obstacles (such as severe inflammation of the gallbladder or scarring from other surgeries) may prevent use of laparoscopy and require that open surgery be performed. This is major surgery and will require an extended hospital stay and recovery period. About 5 percent of all gallbladder surgeries are performed using an open surgery technique, according to the NIDDK.

Gallbladder surgery typically takes place in a hospital. Patients should follow any preparatory steps recommended by their physician prior to surgery. These may include changes to diet or medication (including nutritional supplements) regimen.

If gallstones are present in the common bile duct, a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may be used to reduce or eliminate these stones either prior to or after surgery to remove the gallbladder. During ERCP a long, flexible tube called an endoscope is passed through the mouth into the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) to the bile ducts. A catheter is inserted into the tube to scoop up the stone and remove it from the body. In some instances gallstones may pass spontaneously from the bile ducts.

Before gallbladder surgery, patients are placed under general anesthesia, meaning they are unconscious and do not experience pain during the procedure.

Gallbladder surgery is most often performed as a laparoscopic procedure. As part of this technique, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the abdomen. Carbon dioxide is used to inflate the abdomen, increasing the space in which the surgeon is able to work.

A thin, tube-like instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a hollow instrument (cannula) into the incisions in the abdomen. A camera and light attached to the laparoscope provide images of the gallbladder that are transmitted to a monitor. The surgeon watches the monitor while inserting medical instruments into the laparoscope and separating the gallbladder from the liver, ducts and other structures. The cystic duct (duct that conveys bile from the gallbladder to the common bile duct) is cut and the gallbladder is removed through the incisions, which are then closed.

Open surgery is either planned in advance or improvised if the surgeon finds that a procedure that started as laparoscopy cannot be completed using that technique. In open surgery, an incision 5 to 8 inches long (12.7 to 20.32 centimeters) is made on the right side of the abdomen just below the ribs and the gallbladder is removed. 

Patients may experience nausea or vomiting immediately after gallbladder surgery. Recovery following laparoscopy usually involves just a single night in the hospital. Patients may be asked to restrict their activities (e.g., refrain from driving a car or climbing stairs) for several days after the procedure.

Open surgery may require a hospital stay of between two days and one week. The patient may also have to spend several weeks at home recovering and restricting activities.

In rare instances, gallbladder surgery may result in complications (e.g., infection of the bile ducts), which may require additional surgery and a longer hospitalization.

Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to gallbladder surgery:

1. Will my procedure be performed laparoscopically or through open surgery?
   
   
2. Is it possible that my procedure will begin as laparoscopy and end as open surgery?
   
   
3. How should I prepare for the surgery? Do I need to change my diet or medication routine?
   
   
4. Will I have to spend time in the hospital following surgery?
   
   
5. What potential risks do I face if I have this surgery?
   
   
6. Will I have long and prominent scars following my surgery?
   
   
7. I’ve heard that many patients experience diarrhea following surgery. How can I lessen the odds of this occurring?
   
   
8. Which activities should I avoid following surgery?
   
   
9. How long will it take before I make a complete recovery?
   
   
10. If my bile ducts are injured, will I face the prospect of additional surgery?