Overview - Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) - Mayo Clinic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) Print A cholecystectomy (koh-luh-sis-TEK-tuh-me) is a surgical procedure to remove your gallbladder — a pear-shaped organ that sits just below your liver on the upper right side of your abdomen. Your gallbladder collects and stores bile — a digestive fluid produced in your liver. A cholecystectomy may be necessary if you experience pain from gallstones that block the flow of bile. A cholecystectomy is a common surgery, and it carries only a small risk of complications. In most cases, you can go home the same day of your cholecystectomy. A cholecystectomy is most commonly performed by inserting a tiny video camera and special surgical tools through four small incisions to see inside your abdomen and remove the gallbladder. Doctors call this a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In some cases, one large incision may be used to remove the gallbladder. This is called an open cholecystectomy. Gallstones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Accessed June 15, 2016. Understanding gallstones. American Gastroenterological Association. Accessed June 15, 2016. Feldman M, et al. Gallstone disease. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. Accessed June 16, 2016. Patient information for laparoscopic gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy) from SAGES. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Accessed June 15, 2016. Feldman M, et al. Gallstone disease. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal Cholecystectomy. American College of Surgeons. Accessed June 15, 2016. Picco MF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 22, 2016. Related Cholecystectomy | Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library What is a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It is on the upper right side of your belly or abdomen. The gallbladder stores a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver. There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder: Open (traditional) method. In this method, 1 cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision. Laparoscopic method. This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope. The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The tube, camera and tools are put in through the incisions. The surgeon does the surgery while looking at a TV monitor. The gallbladder is removed through 1 of the incisions. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive. That means it uses very small incisions in your belly. There is less bleeding. The recovery time is usually shorter than an open surgery.

In some cases the laparoscope may show that your gallbladder is very diseased. Or it may show other problems. Then the surgeon may have to use an open surgery method to remove your gallbladder safely. Why might I need a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy may be done if your gallbladder: Has lumps of solid material ( gallstones ) Is red or swollen (inflamed), or infected ( cholecystitis ) Is cancerous Gallbladder problems may cause pain which: Is usually on the right side or middle of your upper belly May be constant or may get worse after a heavy meal May sometimes feel more like fullness than pain May be felt in your back and in the tip of your right shoulder blade Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. The symptoms of gallbladder problems may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a cholecystectomy. What are the risks of a cholecystectomy?

Some possible complications of a cholecystectomy may include: Bleeding Infection Injury to the tube (the bile duct) that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine Liver injury Scars and a numb feeling at the incision site A bulging of organ or tissue (a hernia) at the incision site During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical tools are put into your belly. This may hurt your intestines or blood vessels. You may have other risks that are unique to you. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. How do I get ready for a cholecystectomy? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission for the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Your provider will ask questions about your past health. He or she may also give you a physical exam. This is to make sure you are in good health before the procedure. You may also need blood tests and other diagnostic tests. You must not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure. This often means no food or drink after midnight.

Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines (local and general). Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. Tell your provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Let your provider know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure. If this is an outpatient procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home afterward. You won’t be able to drive because of the medicine given to relax you before and during the procedure. Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready. What happens during a cholecystectomy? You may have a cholecystectomy as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the surgery is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices. A cholecystectomy is generally done while you are given medicines to put you into a deep sleep (under general anesthesia).

Generally, a cholecystectomy follows this process: You will be asked to take off any jewelry or other objects that might interfere during surgery. You will be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear. An intravenous (IV) line will be put in your arm or hand. You will be placed on your back on the operating table. The anesthesia will be started. A tube will be put down your throat to help you breathe. The anesthesiologist will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery. If there is a lot of hair at the surgical site, it may be clipped off. The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution. Open method cholecystectomy An incision will be made. The incision may slant under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. Or it may be made in the upper part of your abdomen. Your gallbladder is removed. In some cases, 1 or more drains may be put into the incision. This allows drainage of fluids or pus. Laparoscopic method cholecystectomy About 3 or 4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen.

Carbon dioxide gas will be put into your abdomen so that it swells up. This lets the gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen. The laparoscope will be put into an incision. Surgical tools will be put through the other incisions to remove your gallbladder. When the surgery is done, the laparoscope and tools are removed. The carbon dioxide gas is let out through the incisions. Most of it will be reabsorbed by your body. Procedure completion, both methods The gallbladder will be sent to a lab for testing The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical staples A sterile bandage or dressing or adhesive strips will be used to cover the wounds What happens after a cholecystectomy? In the hospital After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room to be watched. Your recovery process will depend on the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia you had. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are awake and alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be done on an outpatient basis. In this case, you may be discharged home from the recovery room. You will get pain medicine as needed.

A nurse may give it to you. Or you may give it to yourself through a device connected to your IV (intravenous) line. You may have a thin plastic tube that goes through your nose into your stomach. This is to remove air that you swallow. The tube will be taken out when your bowels are working normally. You won’t be able to eat or drink until the tube is removed. You may have 1 or more drains in the incision if an open procedure was done. The drains will be removed in a day or so. You might be discharged with the drain still in and covered with a dressing. Follow your provider’s instructions for taking care of it. You will be asked to get out of bed a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure or by the next day after an open procedure. Depending on your situation, you may be given liquids to drink a few hours after surgery. You will slowly be able to eat more solid foods as tolerated. Arrangements will be made for a follow-up visit with your provider. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. At home Once you are home, it’s important to keep the incision clean and dry. Your provider will give you specific bathing instructions.

If stitches or surgical staples are used, they will be removed during a follow-up office visit. If adhesive strips are used, they should be kept dry and usually will fall off within a few days. The incision and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing. If you had a laparoscopic surgery, you may feel pain from any carbon dioxide gas still in your belly. This pain may last for a few days. It should feel a bit better each day. Take a pain reliever as recommended by your provider. Aspirin or other pain medicines may raise your risk of bleeding. Be sure to take only medicines your healthcare provider has approved. Walking and limited movement are generally fine. But you should avoid strenuous activity. Your provider will tell you when you can return to work and go back to normal activities.

Call your provider if you have any of the following: Fever or chills Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site More pain around the incision site Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) Belly or abdominal pain, cramping, or swelling No bowel movement or gas for 3 days Pain behind your breastbone Cholecystectomy Cholecystectomy What is a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It is on the upper right side of your belly or abdomen. The gallbladder stores a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver. There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder: Open (traditional) method. In this method, 1 cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision. Laparoscopic method. This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope.

The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The tube, camera and tools are put in through the incisions. The surgeon does the surgery while looking at a TV monitor. The gallbladder is removed through 1 of the incisions. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive. That means it uses very small incisions in your belly. There is less bleeding. The recovery time is usually shorter than an open surgery. In some cases the laparoscope may show that your gallbladder is very diseased. Or it may show other problems. Then the surgeon may have to use an open surgery method to remove your gallbladder safely. Why might I need a cholecystectomy?

A cholecystectomy may be done if your gallbladder: Has lumps of solid material (gallstones) Is red or swollen (inflamed), or infected (cholecystitis) Is cancerous Gallbladder problems may cause pain which: Is usually on the right side or middle of your upper belly May be constant or may get worse after a heavy meal May sometimes feel more like fullness than pain May be felt in your back and in the tip of your right shoulder blade Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. The symptoms of gallbladder problems may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a cholecystectomy. What are the risks of a cholecystectomy? Some possible complications of a cholecystectomy may include: Bleeding Infection Injury to the tube (the bile duct) that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine Liver injury Scars and a numb feeling at the incision site A bulging of organ or tissue (a hernia) at the incision site During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical tools are put into your belly. This may hurt your intestines or blood vessels.

You may have other risks that are unique to you. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. How do I get ready for a cholecystectomy? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission for the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Your provider will ask questions about your past health. He or she may also give you a physical exam. This is to make sure you are in good health before the procedure. You may also need blood tests and other diagnostic tests. You must not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure. This often means no food or drink after midnight. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines (local and general). Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. Tell your provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders.

Let your provider know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure. If this is an outpatient procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home afterward. You won’t be able to drive because of the medicine given to relax you before and during the procedure. Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready. What happens during a cholecystectomy? You may have a cholecystectomy as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the surgery is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices. A cholecystectomy is generally done while you are given medicines to put you into a deep sleep (under general anesthesia). Generally, a cholecystectomy follows this process: You will be asked to take off any jewelry or other objects that might interfere during surgery. You will be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear. An intravenous (IV) line will be put in your arm or hand. You will be placed on your back on the operating table. The anesthesia will be started.

A tube will be put down your throat to help you breathe. The anesthesiologist will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery. If there is a lot of hair at the surgical site, it may be clipped off. The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution. Open method cholecystectomy An incision will be made. The incision may slant under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. Or it may be made in the upper part of your abdomen. Your gallbladder is removed. In some cases, 1 or more drains may be put into the incision. This allows drainage of fluids or pus. Laparoscopic method cholecystectomy About 3 or 4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas will be put into your abdomen so that it swells up. This lets the gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen. The laparoscope will be put into an incision. Surgical tools will be put through the other incisions to remove your gallbladder. When the surgery is done, the laparoscope and tools are removed.

The carbon dioxide gas is let out through the incisions. Most of it will be reabsorbed by your body. Procedure completion, both methods The gallbladder will be sent to a lab for testing The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical staples A sterile bandage or dressing or adhesive strips will be used to cover the wounds What happens after a cholecystectomy? In the hospital After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room to be watched. Your recovery process will depend on the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia you had. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are awake and alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be done on an outpatient basis. In this case, you may be discharged home from the recovery room. You will get pain medicine as needed. A nurse may give it to you. Or you may give it to yourself through a device connected to your IV (intravenous) line. You may have a thin plastic tube that goes through your nose into your stomach. This is to remove air that you swallow. The tube will be taken out when your bowels are working normally.

You won’t be able to eat or drink until the tube is removed. You may have 1 or more drains in the incision if an open procedure was done. The drains will be removed in a day or so. You might be discharged with the drain still in and covered with a dressing. Follow your provider’s instructions for taking care of it. You will be asked to get out of bed a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure or by the next day after an open procedure. Depending on your situation, you may be given liquids to drink a few hours after surgery. You will slowly be able to eat more solid foods as tolerated. Arrangements will be made for a follow-up visit with your provider. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. At home Once you are home, it’s important to keep the incision clean and dry. Your provider will give you specific bathing instructions. If stitches or surgical staples are used, they will be removed during a follow-up office visit. If adhesive strips are used, they should be kept dry and usually will fall off within a few days. The incision and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing.

If you had a laparoscopic surgery, you may feel pain from any carbon dioxide gas still in your belly. This pain may last for a few days. It should feel a bit better each day. Take a pain reliever as recommended by your provider. Aspirin or other pain medicines may raise your risk of bleeding. Be sure to take only medicines your healthcare provider has approved. Walking and limited movement are generally fine. But you should avoid strenuous activity. Your provider will tell you when you can return to work and go back to normal activities. Call your provider if you have any of the following: Fever or chills Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site More pain around the incision site Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) Belly or abdominal pain, cramping, or swelling No bowel movement or gas for 3 days Pain behind your breastbone Cholecystectomy - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center What is a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It is on the upper right side of your belly or abdomen.

The gallbladder stores a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver. There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder: Open (traditional) method. In this method, 1 cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision. Laparoscopic method. This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope. The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The tube, camera and tools are put in through the incisions. The surgeon does the surgery while looking at a TV monitor. The gallbladder is removed through 1 of the incisions. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive. That means it uses very small incisions in your belly. There is less bleeding. The recovery time is usually shorter than an open surgery. In some cases the laparoscope may show that your gallbladder is very diseased. Or it may show other problems. Then the surgeon may have to use an open surgery method to remove your gallbladder safely.

Why might I need a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy may be done if your gallbladder: Has lumps of solid material (gallstones) Is red or swollen (inflamed), or infected (cholecystitis) Is cancerous Gallbladder problems may cause pain which: Is usually on the right side or middle of your upper belly May be constant or may get worse after a heavy meal May sometimes feel more like fullness than pain May be felt in your back and in the tip of your right shoulder blade Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. The symptoms of gallbladder problems may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a cholecystectomy. What are the risks of a cholecystectomy? Some possible complications of a cholecystectomy may include: Bleeding Infection Injury to the tube (the bile duct) that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine Liver injury Scars and a numb feeling at the incision site A bulging of organ or tissue (a hernia) at the incision site During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical tools are put into your belly.

This may hurt your intestines or blood vessels. You may have other risks that are unique to you. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. How do I get ready for a cholecystectomy? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission for the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Your provider will ask questions about your past health. He or she may also give you a physical exam. This is to make sure you are in good health before the procedure. You may also need blood tests and other diagnostic tests. You must not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure. This often means no food or drink after midnight. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines (local and general). Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. Tell your provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders.

Let your provider know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure. If this is an outpatient procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home afterward. You won’t be able to drive because of the medicine given to relax you before and during the procedure. Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready. What happens during a cholecystectomy? You may have a cholecystectomy as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the surgery is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices. A cholecystectomy is generally done while you are given medicines to put you into a deep sleep (under general anesthesia). Generally, a cholecystectomy follows this process: You will be asked to take off any jewelry or other objects that might interfere during surgery. You will be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear. An intravenous (IV) line will be put in your arm or hand. You will be placed on your back on the operating table. The anesthesia will be started.

A tube will be put down your throat to help you breathe. The anesthesiologist will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery. If there is a lot of hair at the surgical site, it may be clipped off. The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution. Open method cholecystectomy An incision will be made. The incision may slant under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. Or it may be made in the upper part of your abdomen. Your gallbladder is removed. In some cases, 1 or more drains may be put into the incision. This allows drainage of fluids or pus. Laparoscopic method cholecystectomy About 3 or 4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas will be put into your abdomen so that it swells up. This lets the gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen. The laparoscope will be put into an incision. Surgical tools will be put through the other incisions to remove your gallbladder. When the surgery is done, the laparoscope and tools are removed.

The carbon dioxide gas is let out through the incisions. Most of it will be reabsorbed by your body. Procedure completion, both methods The gallbladder will be sent to a lab for testing The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical staples A sterile bandage or dressing or adhesive strips will be used to cover the wounds What happens after a cholecystectomy? In the hospital After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room to be watched. Your recovery process will depend on the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia you had. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are awake and alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be done on an outpatient basis. In this case, you may be discharged home from the recovery room. You will get pain medicine as needed. A nurse may give it to you. Or you may give it to yourself through a device connected to your IV (intravenous) line. You may have a thin plastic tube that goes through your nose into your stomach. This is to remove air that you swallow. The tube will be taken out when your bowels are working normally.

You won’t be able to eat or drink until the tube is removed. You may have 1 or more drains in the incision if an open procedure was done. The drains will be removed in a day or so. You might be discharged with the drain still in and covered with a dressing. Follow your provider’s instructions for taking care of it. You will be asked to get out of bed a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure or by the next day after an open procedure. Depending on your situation, you may be given liquids to drink a few hours after surgery. You will slowly be able to eat more solid foods as tolerated. Arrangements will be made for a follow-up visit with your provider. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. At home Once you are home, it’s important to keep the incision clean and dry. Your provider will give you specific bathing instructions. If stitches or surgical staples are used, they will be removed during a follow-up office visit. If adhesive strips are used, they should be kept dry and usually will fall off within a few days. The incision and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing.

If you had a laparoscopic surgery, you may feel pain from any carbon dioxide gas still in your belly. This pain may last for a few days. It should feel a bit better each day. Take a pain reliever as recommended by your provider. Aspirin or other pain medicines may raise your risk of bleeding. Be sure to take only medicines your healthcare provider has approved. Walking and limited movement are generally fine. But you should avoid strenuous activity. Your provider will tell you when you can return to work and go back to normal activities. Call your provider if you have any of the following: Fever or chills Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site More pain around the incision site Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) Belly or abdominal pain, cramping, or swelling No bowel movement or gas for 3 days Pain behind your breastbone Cholecystectomy Click a letter to see a list of medical procedures beginning with that letter. Click 'Back to Intro' to return to the beginning of this section. Cholecystectomy What is a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder.

The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It is on the upper right side of your belly or abdomen. The gallbladder stores a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver. There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder: Open (traditional) method. In this method, 1 cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision. Laparoscopic method. This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope. The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The tube, camera and tools are put in through the incisions. The surgeon does the surgery while looking at a TV monitor. The gallbladder is removed through 1 of the incisions. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive. That means it uses very small incisions in your belly. There is less bleeding. The recovery time is usually shorter than an open surgery. In some cases the laparoscope may show that your gallbladder is very diseased.

Or it may show other problems. Then the surgeon may have to use an open surgery method to remove your gallbladder safely. Why might I need a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy may be done if your gallbladder: Has lumps of solid material (gallstones) Is red or swollen (inflamed), or infected (cholecystitis) Is cancerous Gallbladder problems may cause pain which: Is usually on the right side or middle of your upper belly May be constant or may get worse after a heavy meal May sometimes feel more like fullness than pain May be felt in your back and in the tip of your right shoulder blade Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. The symptoms of gallbladder problems may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a cholecystectomy. What are the risks of a cholecystectomy?

Some possible complications of a cholecystectomy may include: Bleeding Infection Injury to the tube (the bile duct) that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine Liver injury Scars and a numb feeling at the incision site A bulging of organ or tissue (a hernia) at the incision site During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical tools are put into your belly. This may hurt your intestines or blood vessels. You may have other risks that are unique to you. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. How do I get ready for a cholecystectomy? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission for the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Your provider will ask questions about your past health. He or she may also give you a physical exam. This is to make sure you are in good health before the procedure. You may also need blood tests and other diagnostic tests. You must not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure. This often means no food or drink after midnight.

Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines (local and general). Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. Tell your provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Let your provider know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure. If this is an outpatient procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home afterward. You won’t be able to drive because of the medicine given to relax you before and during the procedure. Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready. What happens during a cholecystectomy? You may have a cholecystectomy as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the surgery is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices. A cholecystectomy is generally done while you are given medicines to put you into a deep sleep (under general anesthesia).

Generally, a cholecystectomy follows this process: You will be asked to take off any jewelry or other objects that might interfere during surgery. You will be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear. An intravenous (IV) line will be put in your arm or hand. You will be placed on your back on the operating table. The anesthesia will be started. A tube will be put down your throat to help you breathe. The anesthesiologist will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery. If there is a lot of hair at the surgical site, it may be clipped off. The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution. Open method cholecystectomy An incision will be made. The incision may slant under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. Or it may be made in the upper part of your abdomen. Your gallbladder is removed. In some cases, 1 or more drains may be put into the incision. This allows drainage of fluids or pus. Laparoscopic method cholecystectomy About 3 or 4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen.

Carbon dioxide gas will be put into your abdomen so that it swells up. This lets the gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen. The laparoscope will be put into an incision. Surgical tools will be put through the other incisions to remove your gallbladder. When the surgery is done, the laparoscope and tools are removed. The carbon dioxide gas is let out through the incisions. Most of it will be reabsorbed by your body. Procedure completion, both methods The gallbladder will be sent to a lab for testing The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical staples A sterile bandage or dressing or adhesive strips will be used to cover the wounds What happens after a cholecystectomy? In the hospital After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room to be watched. Your recovery process will depend on the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia you had. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are awake and alert, you will be taken to your hospital room. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be done on an outpatient basis. In this case, you may be discharged home from the recovery room. You will get pain medicine as needed.

A nurse may give it to you. Or you may give it to yourself through a device connected to your IV (intravenous) line. You may have a thin plastic tube that goes through your nose into your stomach. This is to remove air that you swallow. The tube will be taken out when your bowels are working normally. You won’t be able to eat or drink until the tube is removed. You may have 1 or more drains in the incision if an open procedure was done. The drains will be removed in a day or so. You might be discharged with the drain still in and covered with a dressing. Follow your provider’s instructions for taking care of it. You will be asked to get out of bed a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure or by the next day after an open procedure. Depending on your situation, you may be given liquids to drink a few hours after surgery. You will slowly be able to eat more solid foods as tolerated. Arrangements will be made for a follow-up visit with your provider. This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. At home Once you are home, it’s important to keep the incision clean and dry. Your provider will give you specific bathing instructions.

If stitches or surgical staples are used, they will be removed during a follow-up office visit. If adhesive strips are used, they should be kept dry and usually will fall off within a few days. The incision and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing. If you had a laparoscopic surgery, you may feel pain from any carbon dioxide gas still in your belly. This pain may last for a few days. It should feel a bit better each day. Take a pain reliever as recommended by your provider. Aspirin or other pain medicines may raise your risk of bleeding. Be sure to take only medicines your healthcare provider has approved. Walking and limited movement are generally fine. But you should avoid strenuous activity. Your provider will tell you when you can return to work and go back to normal activities.

Call your provider if you have any of the following: Fever or chills Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site More pain around the incision site Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) Belly or abdominal pain, cramping, or swelling No bowel movement or gas for 3 days Pain behind your breastbone Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - Gallbladder Surgery, Los Angeles, California Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy? Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a procedure in which the gallbladder is removed by laparoscopic techniques. Laparoscopic surgery also referred to as minimally invasive surgery describes the performance of surgical procedures with the assistance of a video camera and several thin instruments. During a laparoscopic surgical procedure, small incisions of up to half an inch are made and plastic tubes called ports are placed through these incisions. The camera and the instruments are then introduced through the ports which allow access to the inside of the patient. The camera transmits an image of the organs inside the abdomen onto a television monitor.The surgeon is not able to see directly into the patient without the traditional large incision.

The video camera becomes a surgeon’s eyes in laparoscopy surgery, since the surgeon uses the image from the video camera positioned inside the patient’s body to perform the procedure. Benefits of minimally invasive or laparoscopic procedures include less post operative discomfort since the incisions are much smaller, quicker recovery times, shorter hospital stays, earlier return to full activities and much smaller scars. Furthermore, there may be less internal scarring when the procedures are performed in a minimally invasive fashion compared to standard open surgery. How safe is laparoscopic gallbladder surgery? Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very safe operation. The overall complication rate is less than 2%. The complication rate for laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is similar to the complication rate for traditional open gallbladder surgery when performed by a properly trained surgeon. How is laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed? Many thousands of laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been performed in the USA and this operation has an excellent safety record. Some of the important steps in the operation are as follows: General anesthesia is utilized, so the patient is asleep throughout the procedure.

An incision that is approximately half an inch is made around the umbilicus ( belly button), three other quarter to half inch incisions are made for a total of four incisions. Four narrow tubes called laparoscopic ports are placed through the tiny incisions for the laparoscopic camera and instruments. A laparoscope (which is a long thin round instrument with a video lens at its tip) is inserted through the belly button port and connected to a special camera. The laparoscope provides the surgeon with a magnified view of the patient's internal organs on a television screen. Long specially designed instruments are inserted through the other three ports that allow your surgeon to delicately separate the gallbladder from its attachments to the liver and the bile duct and then remove it through one of the ports from the abdomen. Your surgeon may occasionally perform an X-ray, called a cholangiogram, to exam for stones in the bile duct. After the gallbladder is removed from the abdomen then the small incisions are closed What happens if at surgery the surgeon cannot complete the operation with laparoscopic techniques?

In a small number of patients if excessive scarring is present or the anatomy of the structures is not clear then for safety reasons the surgeon may decide too convert the operation to an open surgical operation through a traditional large surgical incision. Less than 5% of all laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures are converted to open procedures. The decision to convert to an open operation is strictly based on patient safety. Factors that may increase the risk of converting to the "open" procedure include obesity, a history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue, acute cholecystitis or bleeding problems during the operation. What are the risks of laparoscopic gallbladder surgery? Complications of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy are infrequent and the vast majority of laparoscopic gallbladder patients recover and quickly return to normal activities. Some of the complications that can occur include bleeding, infection, leakage of bile in the abdomen, pneumonia, blood clots, or heart problems. Surgical injury to an adjacent structures such as the common bile duct, duodenum or the small intestine may occur rarely and may require another surgical procedure to repair it.

If the gallbladder is accidentally or deliberately opened during the procedure stones may fall out of the gallbladder and in to the abdomen that may give rise to later scarring. How long will you be in the hospital? Once a diet is tolerated, patients leave the hospital. Most patients go home the next day after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Some may even go home the same day the operation is performed. This compares with a five day stay following the open cholecystectomy procedure. What is the recovery period and how soon can you go back to work? Patients will probably be able to get back to normal activities within a week's time, including driving, walking up stairs, light lifting and work. Activity is dependent on how the patient feels. Walking is encouraged. Patients can remove the dressings and shower the day after the operation. In general, recovery should be progressive, once the patient is at home. Most patients are fully recovered and may go back to work after seven to ten days. Often, this depends on the nature of your job since patients who perform manual labor or heavy lifting may require two to four weeks of recovery. What should you be concerned about after going home?

The development of fever, yellow skin or eyes, worsening abdominal pain, distention, persistent nausea or vomiting, or drainage from the incision are indications that a complication may have occurred. You should contact your surgeon under these circumstances. Gallbladder removal - open: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Tell your doctor or nurse: If you are or might be pregnant Which drugs, vitamins, and other supplements you are taking, even ones you bought without a prescription During the week before surgery: You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), vitamin E, warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that may put you at a higher risk of bleeding during surgery. Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery. Prepare your home for any problems you might have getting around after the surgery. You'll be told when to arrive at the hospital. On the day of surgery: Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking. Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water. Shower the night before or the morning of your surgery. Arrive at the hospital on time.

After the Procedure You may stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days after open gallbladder removal. During that time: You may be asked to breathe into a device called an incentive spirometer. This helps keep your lungs working well so that you do not get pneumonia. The nurse will help you sit up in bed, hang your legs over the side, and then stand up and start to walk. At first, you will receive fluids into your vein through an intravenous (IV) tube. Soon after, you will be asked to start drinking liquids and eating foods. You will be able to shower while you are still in the hospital. You may be asked to wear pressure stockings on your legs to help prevent a blood clot from forming. These stockings also help keep your blood circulating well. If there were problems during your surgery, or if you have bleeding, a lot of pain, or a fever, you may need to stay in the hospital longer. Your doctor or nurses will tell you how to care for yourself after you leave the hospital. Outlook (Prognosis) Most people recover quickly and have good results from this procedure.

Alternative Names Cholecystectomy - open; Surgery - gallbladder - open Images Gallbladder removal - NHS Choices Gallbladder removal Introduction Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as a cholecystectomy, is a very common procedure. The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ in the upper right part of your tummy. It stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps break down fatty foods. You don't need a gallbladder, so surgery to take it out is often recommended if you develop any problems with it. Why does my gallbladder need to be removed? Surgery to remove the gallbladder is usually carried out if you have painful gallstones . These are small stones that can form in the gallbladder as a result of an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. Gallstones often cause no symptoms and you may not realise you have them, but occasionally they can block the flow of bile and irritate the gallbladder ( acute cholecystitis ) or pancreas ( acute pancreatitis ).

This can cause symptoms such as: sudden and intense tummy pain feeling and being sick yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes ( jaundice ) Very occasionally it may be possible to take tablets to dissolve gallstones, but surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most effective treatment in the vast majority of cases. What happens during gallbladder removal surgery There are two main ways of removing a gallbladder: laparoscopic (keyhole) cholecystectomy – several small cuts (incisions) are made in your tummy (abdomen) and fine surgical instruments are used to access and remove your gallbladder open cholecystectomy – a single, larger incision is made in your tummy to access and remove your gallbladder Keyhole surgery is used most often because you can leave hospital sooner, recover faster and are left with smaller scars than with an open procedure. Both techniques are performed under general anaesthetic , which means you'll be asleep during the operation and won't feel any pain while it's carried out. Recovering from gallbladder removal surgery It doesn't usually take long to recover from keyhole surgery to remove your gallbladder. Most people can leave hospital the same day or the next morning.

You'll probably be able to return to most of your normal activities within two weeks. It takes longer to recover from open surgery. You may need to stay in hospital for three to five days and it could be six to eight weeks before you're feeling back to normal. Living without a gallbladder You can lead a perfectly normal life without a gallbladder. Your liver will still make enough bile to digest your food but, instead of being stored in the gallbladder, it drips continuously into your digestive system. You may have been advised to eat a special diet before surgery, but this doesn't need to be continued afterwards. Instead, you should aim to have a generally healthy, balanced diet . Some people experience problems such as bloating or diarrhoea after surgery, although this usually improves within a few weeks. If you notice certain foods or drinks trigger these symptoms, you may wish to avoid them in the future. Read more about your diet after gallbladder surgery . Risks of gallbladder removal surgery Gallbladder removal surgery is considered to be a safe procedure, but like any type of surgery there is a risk of complications.

Possible complications include: bile leaking into the tummy damage to one of the openings (ducts) carrying bile out of the liver Cholecystectomy Cholecystectomy What is a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove your gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small organ under your liver. It is on the upper right side of your belly or abdomen. The gallbladder stores a digestive juice called bile which is made in the liver. There are 2 types of surgery to remove the gallbladder: Open (traditional) method. In this method, 1 cut (incision) about 4 to 6 inches long is made in the upper right-hand side of your belly. The surgeon finds the gallbladder and takes it out through the incision. Laparoscopic method. This method uses 3 to 4 very small incisions. It uses a long, thin tube called a laparoscope. The tube has a tiny video camera and surgical tools. The tube, camera and tools are put in through the incisions. The surgeon does the surgery while looking at a TV monitor. The gallbladder is removed through 1 of the incisions.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is less invasive. That means it uses very small incisions in your belly. There is less bleeding. The recovery time is usually shorter than an open surgery. In some cases the laparoscope may show that your gallbladder is very diseased. Or it may show other problems. Then the surgeon may have to use an open surgery method to remove your gallbladder safely. Why might I need a cholecystectomy? A cholecystectomy may be done if your gallbladder: Has lumps of solid material (gallstones) Is red or swollen (inflamed), or infected (cholecystitis) Is cancerous Gallbladder problems may cause pain which: Is usually on the right side or middle of your upper belly May be constant or may get worse after a heavy meal May sometimes feel more like fullness than pain May be felt in your back and in the tip of your right shoulder blade Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. The symptoms of gallbladder problems may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider to be sure. Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to recommend a cholecystectomy.

What are the risks of a cholecystectomy? Some possible complications of a cholecystectomy may include: Bleeding Infection Injury to the tube (the bile duct) that carries bile from the gallbladder to the small intestine Liver injury Scars and a numb feeling at the incision site A bulging of organ or tissue (a hernia) at the incision site During a laparoscopic procedure, surgical tools are put into your belly. This may hurt your intestines or blood vessels. You may have other risks that are unique to you. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before the procedure. How do I get ready for a cholecystectomy? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission for the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Your provider will ask questions about your past health. He or she may also give you a physical exam. This is to make sure you are in good health before the procedure. You may also need blood tests and other diagnostic tests. You must not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure.

This often means no food or drink after midnight. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines (local and general). Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements. Tell your provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Let your provider know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure. If this is an outpatient procedure, you will need to have someone drive you home afterward. You won’t be able to drive because of the medicine given to relax you before and during the procedure. Follow any other instructions your provider gives you to get ready. What happens during a cholecystectomy? You may have a cholecystectomy as an outpatient or as part of your stay in a hospital. The way the surgery is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider's practices.

A cholecystectomy is generally done while you are given medicines to put you into a deep sleep (under general anesthesia). Generally, a cholecystectomy follows this process: You will be asked to take off any jewelry or other objects that might interfere during surgery. You will be asked to remove clothing and be given a gown to wear. An intravenous (IV) line will be put in your arm or hand. You will be placed on your back on the operating table. The anesthesia will be started. A tube will be put down your throat to help you breathe. The anesthesiologist will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery. If there is a lot of hair at the surgical site, it may be clipped off. The skin over the surgical site will be cleaned with a sterile (antiseptic) solution. Open method cholecystectomy An incision will be made. The incision may slant under your ribs on the right side of your abdomen. Or it may be made in the upper part of your abdomen. Your gallbladder is removed. In some cases, 1 or more drains may be put into the incision. This allows drainage of fluids or pus.

Laparoscopic method cholecystectomy About 3 or 4 small incisions will be made in your abdomen. Carbon dioxide gas will be put into your abdomen so that it swells up. This lets the gallbladder and nearby organs be easily seen. The laparoscope will be put into an incision. Surgical tools will be put through the other incisions to remove your gallbladder. When the surgery is done, the laparoscope and tools are removed. The carbon dioxide gas is let out through the incisions. Most of it will be reabsorbed by your body. Procedure completion, both methods The gallbladder will be sent to a lab for testing The incisions will be closed with stitches or surgical staples A sterile bandage or dressing or adhesive strips will be used to cover the wounds What happens after a cholecystectomy? In the hospital After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room to be watched. Your recovery process will depend on the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia you had. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are awake and alert, you will be taken to your hospital room.

A laparoscopic cholecystectomy may be done on an outpatient basis. In this case, you may be discharged home from the recovery room. You will get pain medicine as needed. A nurse may give it to you. Or you may give it to yourself through a device connected to your IV (intravenous) line. You may have a thin plastic tube that goes through your nose into your stomach. This is to remove air that you swallow. The tube will be taken out when your bowels are working normally. You won’t be able to eat or drink until the tube is removed. You may have 1 or more drains in the incision if an open procedure was done. The drains will be removed in a day or so. You might be discharged with the drain still in and covered with a dressing. Follow your provider’s instructions for taking care of it. You will be asked to get out of bed a few hours after a laparoscopic procedure or by the next day after an open procedure. Depending on your situation, you may be given liquids to drink a few hours after surgery. You will slowly be able to eat more solid foods as tolerated. Arrangements will be made for a follow-up visit with your provider.

This is usually 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. At home Once you are home, it’s important to keep the incision clean and dry. Your provider will give you specific bathing instructions. If stitches or surgical staples are used, they will be removed during a follow-up office visit. If adhesive strips are used, they should be kept dry and usually will fall off within a few days. The incision and your abdominal muscles may ache, especially after long periods of standing. If you had a laparoscopic surgery, you may feel pain from any carbon dioxide gas still in your belly. This pain may last for a few days. It should feel a bit better each day. Take a pain reliever as recommended by your provider. Aspirin or other pain medicines may raise your risk of bleeding. Be sure to take only medicines your healthcare provider has approved. Walking and limited movement are generally fine. But you should avoid strenuous activity. Your provider will tell you when you can return to work and go back to normal activities.

Call your provider if you have any of the following: Fever or chills Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site More pain around the incision site Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice) Belly or abdominal pain, cramping, or swelling No bowel movement or gas for 3 days Pain behind your breastbone

Question: A cholecystectomy is an operation to remove which organ?
Answer: Gall Bladder