Gallbladder Surgery

During this procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions on the right side of your abdomen. A thin tube with a video camera on the end, called a laparoscope, will be inserted into one of the incisions, helping the surgeon safely remove your gallbladder.

A brief hospital stay might be required after surgery. However, many patients are able to go home the same day as the procedure.

During an open repair, your surgeon will make a four-inch to six-inch incision below your ribcage to remove the gallbladder, and then close the incision with staples or stitches.

After the surgery, most patients will need to remain in the hospital for a few days until they are able to go home.

Open repair may be necessary for patients with a severe gallbladder infection, pre-existing scar tissue, or other complications.

Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions, which you can review at any time on MyChart.

In most cases you will be required to fast before the procedure. You may also need to stop taking certain medications or supplements if they increase your risk of bleeding.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. Since hospitalization may be required, consider bringing small personal items like a toothbrush, books, or a phone charger.

Most gallbladder surgeries take one to two hours, whether you have a laparoscopic or open repair. Some people can go home the same day, while others may need a hospital stay. You will be able to go home once you have a normal temperature and are able to eat and drink without pain, take pain medications by mouth, and walk on your own.

On average, full recovery after laparoscopic repair takes about one week. Full recovery for open repair may take several weeks to a few months. Recovery times vary based on your age, health, and ability to follow post-operative instructions.

Your doctor will provide detailed post-operative care instructions for bathing, diet, pain management, and when you can return to normal activities. You can review these instructions and see your personalized treatment plan at any time on MyChart.