What Is a Cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder — a small, pear‑shaped organ that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver. This procedure is commonly performed to treat gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) when they cause pain, infection, or complications. Removing the gallbladder relieves symptoms and prevents future problems, and most people live normally without it.

Why Surgery Is Performed

Gallbladder removal is recommended when gallstones, inflammation, or related conditions cause symptoms such as:

  • Sudden, intense abdominal pain (biliary colic)
  • Nausea or vomiting after fatty meals
  • Persistent upper abdominal discomfort
  • Fever or jaundice (yellowing of the skin/eyes) with infection

These symptoms can indicate gallbladder disease, gallstones blocking ducts, or infection — all of which can be effectively treated with cholecystectomy.

Types of Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

The most common approach is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive surgery performed through several small incisions in the abdomen. A tiny camera (laparoscope) and surgical instruments are used to safely remove the gallbladder while reducing pain, scarring, and recovery time compared to open surgery. Most patients recover quickly and go home the same day or the next.

Open Cholecystectomy

In certain cases — such as severe inflammation, infection, scarring from prior surgery, or unusual anatomy — an open cholecystectomy may be necessary. This approach uses a larger incision to access and remove the gallbladder. Recovery is longer than with the laparoscopic approach but allows surgeons to manage complex situations safely.

What to Expect During Surgery

Cholecystectomy is usually performed under general anesthesia. In a laparoscopic procedure, small incisions are made around the abdomen, and the abdomen is inflated with gas to give the surgeon room to work. The gallbladder is detached from the liver and bile ducts and removed through one of the incisions. In an open procedure, a larger incision provides direct access to the gallbladder for removal.

Recovery and Aftercare

After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, many patients:

  • Return home within 24 hours
  • Resume light activities within a few days
  • Experience gradual relief from symptoms

Open cholecystectomy typically requires a longer hospital stay and recovery period, often a few weeks. Follow‑up instructions often include:

  • Wound care and monitoring for signs of infection
  • Pain management
  • Slow advancement of diet as tolerated
  • Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity until cleared by your surgeon

Benefits of Gallbladder Removal

  • Relief from gallstone and biliary pain
  • Prevention of gallbladder infection or inflammation
  • Reduced risk of gallstone complications, such as pancreatitis
  • Short recovery time with laparoscopic surgery

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, injury to surrounding structures (such as bile ducts), anesthesia complications, and changes in bowel habits. Occasionally, bile leaks or retained stones may occur postoperatively. Your surgeon will discuss these risks based on your health and imaging findings and explain how they plan to minimize complications.

Divisions Involved in Your Care

Diagnoses We Treat

Frequently Asked Questions

Gallbladder issues most often arise from gallstones that form when bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin. These stones can block ducts and lead to pain, inflammation, or infection.

Gallbladder conditions are diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan to visualize stones or inflammation.

Most patients are good candidates for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, but severe inflammation, previous abdominal surgeries, or unusual anatomy may require open surgery.

Many people resume a normal diet with no long‑term issues. Some notice mild changes in digestion, especially with fatty foods, but these symptoms typically improve over time.

Once the gallbladder is removed, gallstones in the gallbladder cannot recur. However, stones can occasionally form in the bile ducts, which may require additional treatment.

Recovery from laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually rapid — many patients return to normal activities within a few days. Recovery from open surgery may take several weeks.